Does Vision Change During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting journeys for mothers. However, the period is not all fun and magic-like. One of the most recognized changes that women may notice during their pregnancy is a change in their vision.

Vision change is especially prevalent during the second and third trimesters. In addition, this can go on a few months after childbirth, way into breastfeeding.

Changes in your vision during pregnancy are primarily the result of hormonal changes throughout the period. Some early warning signs include double vision, temporary loss of vision, blurred vision, or flashing lights.

If you are having a problem with your vision, you should always talk to your doctor or optometrists.

Eye Conditions You Might Develop During Pregnancy

1. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes is one of the most common conditions you may develop during pregnancy. The condition is usually temporary and goes away without too much intervention.

Dry eyes can be a problem as it causes discomfort and irritation during the period. In addition, rubbing your eyes might lead to bacterial infections and inflammation of the eye.

2. Blurred Vision

Many women discover they have blurred vision or visual acuity during pregnancy. This results from a cornea’s thickness and shape change, distorting vision.

Whether your eye prescription does not work as it used to or your blurred vision just started during pregnancy, make a point to talk to your optometrist before trying vision correction therapies.

3. Puffy Eyelids

Thirdly, you may notice puffy eyelids and swelling during pregnancy. This is limited to your eyes and areas of your body.

Doctors recommend drinking a lot of water to help reduce water retention and swelling. Likewise, you also need to reduce your daily caffeine and sodium intake.

What Causes Blurry Vision During Pregnancy?

Changes in hormones, blood circulation, metabolism, and fluid retention during pregnancy can profoundly affect your eyesight. Some of the reasons blurred vision occurs include:

Change in eye pressure

Water retention in your eye can increase your corneas’ thickness and curvature. Though the change is relatively small, it can significantly affect your vision, especially for women wearing contact lenses or prescription glasses.

Reduced tear production

Changes in your hormone levels can also cause a reduction in your tear production. You are more prone to dry eyes, irritation, and discomfort when this happens. This often leads to visual acuity and eye focus issues.

Poorer peripheral vision

The reason why some women suffer from poor peripheral vision during pregnancy remains unknown. However, one of the leading theories is water retention and hormonal changes.

If you start experiencing a change in your peripheral vision, only your eye doctor can assure you of the cause of your problem.

When Does Blurry Vision During Pregnancy Start?

There is no clear or definite timeline for when you will start experiencing vision problems during pregnancy. Some women are lucky enough not to go through any changes to their eyesight, while other expectant mothers develop them later during their pregnancy.

Depending on your hormonal changes and other factors, you will experience blurred vision, dry eyes, irritation, or even eye infections at any time. However, most women report these changes during the second or third trimesters.

What Can I Do About Blurry Vision When I’m Pregnant?

First, you must make an appointment with your eye doctor before deciding on any steps to fix your eyesight. Your optometrist better understands your condition and will advise you appropriately on your treatment.

Taking that into consideration, let us have a look at some of the tips that can help you cope with eyesight problems:

Use pregnancy-safe eye drops

You can find some lubricating eye drops if you feel uncomfortable and irritated due to dry eyes. They are a safe and affordable way to relieve irritation and prevent potential infections caused by rubbing your eyes.

Ask your doctor for recommendations on the safest eyedrops to use during pregnancy.

Give your eyes regular breaks.

Avoid straining your eyes. Eye strain will increase your dry eyes and lead to other eye complications. Keep your eyes rested, and try to reduce your screen time.

The 20-20-20 rule is a pretty fantastic way to help your eyes rest. Take a break every 20 minutes, take your eyes off your screen and stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help your eye adjust better and reduce eye strain.

Do not get a new prescription.

If your vision worsens, you might be tempted to go in and get a new prescription for your glasses or contact lenses. In most cases, getting a new prescription or undergoing a corrective eye procedure can lead to an over-correction.

In most cases, your vision will revert to normal after your baby is born, so you only need a little patience and plenty of rest.

Use your contact lenses less.

With increased eye pressure, your contact lenses might not fit properly. It can lead to eye discomfort and irritation. Try minimizing the amount of time you put on your contact lenses.

Vision Changes Require Medical Attention.

In some cases, you might need medical treatment for vision during pregnancy. Here are some likely conditions to look out for:

1. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is an eyesight condition that occurs during pregnancy. The condition may cause temporary loss of vision, the appearance of flashing lights, blurred vision, and high blood pressure.

2. Diabetic eye disease

For many women with diabetes, keeping their eyesight in check is always a good idea. Blood vision can be an indication of elevated blood sugar levels.

Likewise, women are at a higher risk of pregnancy-induced vision loss associated with diabetes. Doctors always recommend getting a diabetic eye exam during pregnancy.

In Conclusion

Hormones significantly affect your body during pregnancy, including your vision.

Though changes in your vision might be temporary, you should talk to your eye doctor. The doctors can conduct examinations and offer the necessary advice for your vision change.

Do not hesitate to contact Anaheim Eye if you have any concerns about pregnancy-induced blurred vision. Our dedicated team is willing to take you through your whole pregnancy journey with utmost care.