Will my vision be controlled after childbirth?

Yes. The majority of women encounter vision stabilisation within a few months postpartum. However, some may require a fresh prescription for contacts or glasses.

Are vision fluctuations dangerous?

Normally, slight blurriness or dryness can occur. However, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes may occur due to sudden or severe changes. Consult a doctor immediately.

Is it good to wear contact lenses during pregnancy?

Yes, but lubricating drops may be necessary to prevent dryness, or you may need to adjust the wear time. But, during the second and third trimesters, glasses are found to be more comfortable.

Why Vision Fluctuates Between Trimesters

It’s totally normal to encounter vision fluctuations while you are pregnant. You might get sensitive eyes, dryness, or things might seem blurry, even if they weren’t before. This happens because your hormones, fluids, and the entire body keep adapting to changes during the pregnancy period. It can be a bit daunting when driving or reading suddenly feels tough. When you understand why this happens, what you may face in each trimester, and how to protect your eyes, you will feel more comfortable, confident, and in control during pregnancy.

Why Pregnancy Impacts Your Sight?

Your hormonal levels, especially oestrogen and progesterone, start to fluctuate during pregnancy. This can affect almost everything in your body, including your eyes, and here’s how:

Fluid retention: Additional fluid can cause your cornea to swell slightly. This alters how light enters your eyes.
Hormonal influence: Your hormones can affect your tear production, leading to irritation or dryness.
Blood pressure instability: Your cardiovascular system becomes accustomed to it and can ultimately affect the delicate blood vessels in your eyes.

These are temporary changes, but having some knowledge about them helps you know when to take extra care of your eyes.

How Does Vision Fluctuate in Each Trimester?

First Trimester: Dryness & Blurriness

Your body starts adapting to new hormone levels during the first trimester. You may encounter:

Slight blurriness while focusing or reading
Deficient tear production often leads to dryness or irritation

Considering it as a typical pregnancy symptom is quite normal. However, if you experience severe fluctuations in your eyesight, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia. Be careful about:

Seeing light or flares
Unexpected blurriness in eyesight
Eye swelling or discomfort

Second Trimester: Stabilisation, But Still Attentive

By the second trimester, your hormones moderately stabilise, and vision fluctuations might ease. Nevertheless, fluid retention may lead to short-term variations in glasses prescription or contact lens comfort.

You can have difficulties reading or viewing distant objects. You may need to adjust your glasses.
You may also experience changes in vision in dim or dark conditions, or after prolonged use of the phone.

Consider getting your eyes checked while wearing your glasses or contact lenses. Your optometrist will be able to detect if you need a new prescription.

Third Trimester: Sharp Sensitivity & Checking

Your body prepares itself for delivery during the third trimester. With a rise in hormones and blood volume, you may encounter:

More dryness or irritation in the eyes
More noticeable blurry eyesight
High blood pressure can sometimes disrupt your vision

If you notice any sudden or severe changes in your vision during this phase, consult a doctor immediately. Conditions like preeclampsia often indicate early warning for eyesight, including spots, flashes, or severe blurring.

What Are the Unusual but Major Causes?

Most vision fluctuations are often momentary and harmless. But sometimes, it could be because of:

Gestational diabetes: It can temporarily affect your vision, causing blurriness.
Thyroid issues: Occasional, but thyroid changes during pregnancy can affect your eyesight.
Migraines with visual aura: Sometimes, with a migraine, you might see things differently.

Knowing a bit about these can help you determine what’s normal and what requires serious attention.

How to Keep Your Eyesight Healthy During Pregnancy?

Although a few changes may be inevitable in your vision, you can still protect them:

Apply lubricating eye drops when your eyes become dry.
Spend less time on the phone to ease eye strain.
Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes against harmful rays.
Attend regular eye check-ups to monitor any changes to your prescription and ensure optimal vision.

Moreover, involve your family or partner in your support. Sharing what you face can help you stay calm and ensure you don't ignore subtle warning signs.

When to Visit a Doctor?

You must understand when to consult a doctor:

If you suddenly see flashes, experience double vision, or have blurred vision.
Swelling or pain in the eyes.
Painful headache with troubled visions.

These can indicate preeclampsia or any other pregnancy-related complications. Early detection can keep you and your baby safe.

What Should be the Next Steps?

Write down any vision changes
Eye drops can help avoid dryness
Adjust brightness and screen time for comfort
Consult a doctor if you face major changes in your eyesight
If you identify any unexpected or severe change, consult a doctor

Emotional & Lifestyle Considerations

Dealing with a changing vision can be painful, especially when you’re trying to work, read, or just get through the day. Getting your family’s or partner’s support can make a difference. Visiting the doctor with you or helping out around the house can help you stay relaxed. You can also try gentle stretching, mindfulness exercises, and a healthy sleep schedule to enhance your eyesight and mental well-being.

Remember, these are temporary changes. You get rid of these signs after delivery, and your vision gets normal. However, tracking your eye health ensures a smoother, safer, and more comfortable pregnancy journey.
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 Vision Fluctuates Between Trimesters

Will my vision be controlled after childbirth?
Yes. The majority of women encounter vision stabilisation within a few months postpartum. However, some may require a fresh prescription for contacts or glasses.
Are vision fluctuations dangerous?
Normally, slight blurriness or dryness can occur. However, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes may occur due to sudden or severe changes. Consult a doctor immediately.
Is it good to wear contact lenses during pregnancy?
Yes, but lubricating drops may be necessary to prevent dryness, or you may need to adjust the wear time. But, during the second and third trimesters, glasses are found to be more comfortable.