Is Pregnancy Affecting Your Vision?

Pregnancy affects nearly every part of the body, but many people are surprised to learn that it can also impact their eyesight. Some changes are mild and temporary, while others can signal underlying health conditions that need prompt attention.

At Hill Vision Services, it’s not uncommon for us to see patients who notice unexpected shifts in their vision during pregnancy. It might be something simple, such as a sudden increase in dry eyes or blurry vision, which can make contact lenses uncomfortable. For some, these changes resolve on their own after delivery. In other cases, they can be early warning signs of more serious medical concerns, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

Our team believes that knowing what to expect during pregnancy is one of the best ways to protect your health. In this article, we will walk you through the most common vision changes that occur during pregnancy, explain why they happen, and help you understand when it is time to reach out for care.

 

Why Pregnancy Changes Your Eyes

The eyes are closely connected to other systems in the body, which makes them particularly sensitive to hormonal and vascular changes. During pregnancy, increased blood volume and fluid shifts can subtly alter the shape and thickness of the cornea. Even small changes like this can affect how light enters the eye, sometimes leading to temporary vision changes.

Pregnancy can also influence how the eyes respond to pressure. Intraocular pressure often decreases during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. While this is not typically harmful, it can affect how certain eye conditions are monitored and managed.

The immune system also behaves differently during pregnancy, sometimes triggering or worsening conditions like dry eye or inflammation. For patients who already have underlying eye conditions such as diabetes-related retinopathy or glaucoma, pregnancy may change the way these diseases progress or respond to treatment. That is why close monitoring is so important.

 

Common Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Here are some of the eye-related changes we see most often in pregnant patients:

Blurred Vision

Mild blurriness is common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. This can happen because the cornea—the clear front layer of your eye—becomes slightly thicker due to fluid retention. Even small changes to the cornea can affect how you see, particularly if you wear contact lenses or have a history of refractive surgery like LASIK.

Most of the time, this type of blurry vision is harmless and will return to normal a few months after giving birth. We typically recommend waiting to update your glasses or contact lens prescription until your body has stabilized postpartum.

Dry Eyes

Pregnancy often decreases tear production. Many women develop dry eye symptoms, such as:

• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Redness or irritation
• Trouble wearing contact lenses comfortably

Artificial tears (lubricating eye drops) can usually relieve these symptoms, but it’s important to choose drops that are safe during pregnancy. 

Changes in Contact Lens Comfort

Contact lenses may not fit as well during pregnancy due to corneal swelling and dryness. If your lenses suddenly feel uncomfortable, try switching to glasses for a while. Once your hormones balance out after delivery, contact lens wear typically returns to normal.

 

When Vision Changes Are a Warning Sign

While most pregnancy-related eye changes are minor, some can point to serious underlying issues. It’s important to know the warning signs so you can protect both your vision and your overall health.

At Hill Vision, we advise you to contact your eye doctor or OB-GYN right away if you experience:

Sudden or Severe Blurred Vision

This could be a symptom of preeclampsia, a dangerous condition that causes high blood pressure and can affect blood flow to the eyes. Preeclampsia typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and may also cause:

• Seeing flashing lights or spots
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Temporary vision loss
• Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
• Headaches

According to the Mayo Clinic, preeclampsia affects about 5 to 8 percent of pregnancies and requires immediate medical care to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Gestational Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Changes

Pregnancy can trigger gestational diabetes, which may cause blurred or fluctuating vision. If you already have diabetes, pregnancy increases the risk of worsening diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina.

We recommend all pregnant patients with diabetes (or gestational diabetes) have a dilated eye exam to monitor the health of the retina throughout pregnancy. Early detection can prevent long-term vision loss.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR)

This rare condition causes fluid to build up under the retina, leading to distorted or blurry central vision. Though not common, CSCR is more likely to occur during pregnancy due to stress and hormonal changes. In most cases, it resolves on its own after delivery, but monitoring is important.

 

Should You Get an Eye Exam During Pregnancy?

Yes, especially if you experience any new vision symptoms. Routine eye exams are safe during pregnancy and can help rule out serious conditions. 

At Hill Vision, we offer comprehensive eye exams for expectant parents, using techniques and tools that prioritize your comfort and safety. We can also coordinate with your OB-GYN or maternal-fetal medicine specialist if needed.

 

Caring for Your Eyes During Pregnancy

To protect your eyes and keep yourself comfortable, consider these tips from our team:

• Use preservative-free artificial tears to relieve dryness. We can recommend pregnancy-safe brands.
• Wear glasses temporarily if contacts become uncomfortable.
• Take regular screen breaks to reduce digital eye strain.
• Stay hydrated to support healthy tear production.
• Avoid elective eye surgeries, like LASIK touch-ups, until several months postpartum.
• Schedule an eye exam if you notice any new symptoms or if you have a condition like diabetes that needs monitoring.

 

Protect Your Vision With Hill Vision Services

Our team believes eye care should be personal, patient-focused, and responsive to the unique stages of life, including pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and have questions about your eyes, contact us for guidance or to book a comprehensive eye exam.

With offices in Creve Coeur, Lake St. Louis, and Glen Carbon, our doctors provide experienced care for all types of vision concerns. We’ll work with you to understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to protect your eyesight now and in the future.