You may see new changes every week or month when you are pregnant. You may be prepared to deal with morning sickness or tiredness. But how do you deal with something unexpected, like vision changes? Black spots, thread-like shapes or flickering lights can be an unsettling experience.
These floaters and flashes are way more common in pregnancy than you may think. The good news is that they are harmless. However, some cases may require medical attention to avoid complications. Understanding about floaters and flashes will help you know why they happen and what makes an emergency situation to seek help.
What Exactly Are Floaters and Flashes?
You may see specks, cobwebs or strings moving across your vision during pregnancy, which are called floaters. When the gel-like fluid inside your eye (the vitreous) becomes more liquid in consistency with time, you may see floaters.On the other hand, flashes appear more like brief sparks or lightning streaks because the retina, a light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, gets irritated.
Why Do Floaters Increase During Pregnancy?
Does Hormonal Change Play a Role?
Pregnancy hormones affect every part of your body, and your eyes are no different. They can cause the following changes:In this article:
- Alter the thickness of the vitreous gel
- Increase fluid retention around the eyes
- Change how light travels through the eye
Can Dehydration Make Floaters Worse?
Your body needs more fluids during pregnancy to support your baby. Floaters may appear more prominent with mild dehydration because the gel in your eyes loses its balance.So, you may see more floaters on hotter days or if you are vomiting due to morning sickness.
Why Do Some Pregnant Women See Light Flashes?
Is It Because of Eye Strain?
Eye strain is a common cause of flashes. Your screen time may increase if you are resting more. Poor sleep, headaches and migraines can contribute to seeing flashes of light.Can Blood Pressure Changes Cause Flashes?
You may experience flashes of light if you have high blood pressure. It requires constant monitoring throughout pregnancy. This condition can also affect blood flow to your retina, which leads to temporary flickering of lights in your vision.Are Flashes Linked to Serious Eye Issues?
Flashes appear when the vitreous gel pulls the retina too strongly. It may also lead to the following problems in rare cases:- Retinal tears
- Retinal detachment
Are These Eye Symptoms Always Dangerous?
Floaters and flashes are not harmful, but it is crucial that you know the difference between normal changes and warning signs.Normal (Usually Safe) Changes
- Floaters appear occasionally and move away quickly
- Brief flashes due to fatigue or headaches
- Higher sensitivity to bright light
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
The following signs indicate some other problem that needs immediate medical care:- Sudden increase in the number or size of floaters
- Frequent flashes that last more than a few minutes
- A shadow spreading across your vision
- Partial loss of vision
- Headache, swelling or high blood pressure
What Can You Do When You See Floaters or Flashes?
Can Lifestyle Changes Help?
Your daily habits can reduce the symptoms and support your overall eye function.- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Limit screen time and use the 20–20–20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Manage migraines with doctor-approved methods
- Get enough rest during the third trimester
- Eat foods to improve your vision, such as leafy greens, carrots, and citrus fruits
Should You Monitor Symptoms Regularly?
If you track your symptoms, it can help your doctor understand what is changing. Note the following changes in your vision:- When you see floaters
- What leads to flashes
- Any patterns (morning, evening, after meals)
- Whether symptoms increase with swelling or headaches
When Should You See a Doctor About Floaters and Flashes?
You should seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following signs:- Sudden heavy floaters
- Sudden flashes, especially at the corners of your eyes
- Loss of vision
- You experience visual changes and pain
- High blood pressure, along with eye-related problems
What Should You Do Next? — Quick Checklist
- Pay attention to unusual visual changes
- Check your blood pressure regularly
- Stay hydrated and rest well
- Reduce screen exposure
- Inform your doctor at your next prenatal visit
- Seek emergency help if symptoms become sudden or severe
How Do These Vision Changes Affect You Emotionally?
Pregnancy already requires you to make physical and emotional adjustments. Seeing floaters or flashes can only add stress, so it is very important to seek emotional support.- Share your concerns with your partner or family
- Talk with your doctor
- Ask questions to feel confident about your health
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Why Some Pregnant Women See More Floaters or Light Flashes?
- Can floaters go away after pregnancy?
You may not notice any vision problem once your hormones and fluid levels settle after delivery in most pregnancy cases. - Are floaters linked to gestational diabetes?
High blood sugar can affect blood vessels in the eye, which may increase floaters. Regular eye checks are important if you have gestational diabetes. - Can anaemia cause visual disturbances during pregnancy?
Your retina may receive less oxygen due to low haemoglobin levels, which may lead to blurry vision or increased sensitivity to light.
