In this article:
Why Does Pregnancy Cause Vision Problems?
Your body experiences multiple changes while it prepares to grow a baby. Your vision changes are a part of this. Your vision can be affected by changes in- Metabolism,
- Hormones,
- Fluid retention
- A migraine attack (an unpleasantly severe headache that disturbs your senses)
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
- Fluid retention in the eye which can affect the frontal area of your eye and alter your vision slightly.
- Preeclampsia (a serious condition where your blood pressure rises)
- Swelling in your face, hands, or feet
- Intense pain a little below your ribcage
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Feeling unwell.
Vision Problems And Pregnancy
There may be several underlying issues that can cause vision problems during your pregnancy. Let’s look at some of them below:Dry eyes: Your eyes might feel drier than usual. You might feel like there is something prickly in your eyes. This is one of the most common symptoms of dry eyes.
If these drops aren’t enough to control your symptoms, your eye doctor can also provide an anti-inflammatory eye drop. Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor first
Blurred vision: If you realise your vision has been gradually changing, on and off, it’s most likely from the refractive changes (changes in the structure/shape of your eye) brought on by fluid retention.
Most pregnancy-related blurriness is temporary and should not be a cause for concern. It will likely clear up within weeks of giving birth. If not, you can consult your doctor for further course of action.
Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a serious condition related to pregnancy that causes high blood pressure. It usually occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Persistent double vision
- Flashing lights
- Light sensitivity
- Temporary vision loss
- Dimmed vision
- Auras
- Spots or floaters that persist beyond 2 hours
Diabetes: If you are diabetic before pregnancy or if you develop gestational diabetes, you must be careful about your vision. High blood sugar levels may also affect your vision.
Other associated vision Symptoms: Symptoms related to vision for these cases are:
- Photopsia is when you see flashes of light and sparkles.
- Eye floaters are dots or objects that appear to float in your vision.
- Scotoma, which involves blind spots
- Diplopia that leads to double vision
- Sudden blurriness or waviness of vision.
Care for Your Eyes During Pregnancy
To control and help prevent pregnancy eye problems, these are some of the highly recommended tips:- Drink plenty of water: Adequate hydration is crucial to help keep your eyes from becoming dry.
- Give your eyes a break: Good sleep is essential for general health and wellness, including healthy eyes. Getting more sleep throughout pregnancy can lessen eye strain and exhaustion. Ensure to maintain a regular sleep schedule and a comfortable resting environment as well.
- Using a humidifier: This can help counteract dryness by retaining moisture in the air to help with that dryness and hydrate dry eyes during pregnancy.
- Take screen breaks: Take short screen breaks and rest your eyes often to help reduce strain and fatigue while pregnant.
- Wear protective eyewear: Pregnancy-related hormone changes can make you significantly more sensitive and vulnerable to eye strain. Sunglasses blocking UV light can also shield your eyes from harm and reduce glare (particularly outdoors). Protect your eyes at all times, and wear protective goggles for any activity that may harm them (sports, DIY work, etc.).
When to See an Eye Specialist
Although some alterations in vision are normal during pregnancy, some symptoms require prompt ophthalmic or obstetrical evaluation. Pay attention to your vision changes. Consult your healthcare professional if you notice any of these symptoms:- Blurred vision
- Flashing lights
- Severe swelling in the hands or fingers
- Very swollen face
- Severe headaches
- Extreme thirst
- Passing large quantities of urine more often.
Pregnancy can cause various vision changes due to hormonal shifts and increased fluid retention. While most of these changes are temporary and resolved after childbirth, it's important to monitor any major changes and consult an eye care professional if needed. Maintaining regular eye check-ups during pregnancy ensures your eye health is cared for during this important time.
FAQs on How Pregnancy Affects Your Vision and Eyes
- Does pregnancy affect your eyesight?
Yes, pregnancy can affect your eyesight, resulting in temporary changes such as blurred vision and dry eyes. - What are the eye problems after pregnancy?
Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after birth can reduce the production of tears, which can cause dry, itchy eyes. - Will my eyesight go back to normal after pregnancy?
Yes, in most cases, blurry vision or other eye-related problems during pregnancy are reversed after childbirth. However, if you have underlying eye problems that are not related to pregnancy, you may need medical intervention.
