16 Jun 2022 | 4 min Read
Reema Shah
Author | 740 Articles
Many women discover that they have eyesight change during pregnancy and get blurry vision. In fact, many of them report that their eyes are less sharp than usual. However, there is no need to panic because they are expected to return to normal after a few weeks of delivery. Here’s why this happens and what you can do.
Speaking to BabyChakra, Paediatric Nutritionist Dr Pooja Marathe says, “Many women report having vision changes during pregnancy, which usually begins in the second and third trimesters and goes away a few months after birth or breastfeeding. Blurry vision during pregnancy is normal and happens mostly due to hormonal changes leading to water retention in the eye and dry eye. It is not a symptom of miscarriage or another serious complication.
However, sudden changes in vision during pregnancy, including blurry vision, can sometimes signify more serious problems, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. It might appear darker than normal. But while these changes during pregnancy can be stressful, don’t fear a permanent change in vision. In most cases, your vision will return to normal within weeks of delivery or after breastfeeding. See your doctor if you continue to have blurriness or other eye problems after the first few weeks.”
The multiple changes during pregnancy which include hormonal changes, fluid retention, blood circulation and metabolism can affect eyesight. Here are some more reasons for eyesight change during pregnancy-
Just the way hormones cause fluid build-up in your ankles and feet swelling them up, it can happen to your eyes too. Hence, this can change the curvature of your eyes, leading to affecting your vision while you’re pregnant. Your eyes may feel more sensitive because of the change in the thickness of your cornea. This can make it harder for you to tolerate contact lenses.
The weaker vision might be a result of the hormones. However, be reassured that this symptom will get back to normal after your baby is born.
The hormonal changes during pregnancy can reduce tear production. This can then lead to irritation, dryness and discomfort.
Don’t strain your eyes and stare at computer screens, TV or other devices that emit blue light for a longer period of time. Read with plenty of light and blink as much as you can in between. Rest your eyes as these devices can cause the irritation to get worse. Avoid driving if you can’t see very well. Consider switching to glasses until delivery iIf your contact lenses are causing inconvenience.
Ask the ophthalmologist to prescribe you eye drops or eye lubricants that are safe for use during pregnancy. Apply them before bed as sometimes they can make your vision blurry.
Ophthalmologists recommend that you do not get corrective laser eye surgery treatments like LASIK or any other treatment for six months before conception and while you’re pregnant too. In fact, you should steer clear of such treatments six months after delivery or six months post-weaning. While the correction won’t hurt your baby, it might lead to over-correction, for which you could require another surgery in the future.
Looking down does not require eyes to be wide open which might help in conserving tears between blinks.
While you need to consult with the doctor if you face blurry vision suddenly during pregnancy because of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, do consider these symptoms too-
Eyesight change is expected to get normal post-delivery and breastfeeding. However, be careful to make notes of any changes. Plus, to reduce the risk of any complications, visit the doctor in time.
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Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.