Can Eyesight Change During Pregnancy?

Can Eyesight Change During Pregnancy?

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.

Does Eyesight Change During Pregnancy?

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.”

Weaker eyesight during pregnancy happens as a result of hormonal changes and it is mostly temporary and gets better few weeks after the birth of baby / Credit – Canva

Why Does Eyesight Get Blurry During Pregnancy?

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-

Eye Pressure

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.

Weaker Peripheral Vision

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.

Decreased Tear Production

The hormonal changes during pregnancy can reduce tear production. This can then lead to irritation, dryness and discomfort.

Over-the-counter products such as eye drops safe for use during pregnancy is prescribed by doctors / Credit – Canva

4 Tips To Cope Up With Pregnancy-Related Blurry Eyesight

1. Give your Eyes Rest

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.

2. Use Eye Drops Safe for Pregnancy

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.

3. Avoid Over-correction

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.

4. Adjust Screen Below your Eye Level

Looking down does not require eyes to be wide open which might help in conserving tears between blinks.

When to Visit a Doctor

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-

  • Sudden weight gain which is not related to eating
  • Hands and face get severely swollen
  • Blind spots
  • Irritation or redness in the white area of the eyes
  • Severe headache that doesn’t get better with medications
  • Unusual thirst 
  • Temporary loss of vision
  • Bulged eyes
  • Increase in the frequency of urination in large amounts

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.