Eye Health in Pregnancy: Essential Information for Expecting Mothers

Read time: 6 minutes

Pregnancy is an extraordinary period of transformation, not only for the body but also for your eye health. As hormone levels fluctuate, they can lead to a variety of changes that may affect vision. While many of these shifts are temporary and resolve after childbirth, understanding and managing them is essential for comfort and well-being during pregnancy.

Let's look at how pregnancy can affect your eyes, what symptoms to watch for, and tips for managing these changes to ensure your vision stays as healthy as possible during this important time.

Hormonal Impact on Eye Health

Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, play a major role in pregnancy. These hormones are responsible for many of the physical and emotional changes that occur, and they also affect the eyes in significant ways.

Pregnancy can lead to:

• Changes in tear production, often resulting in dry eyes
• Fluid retention, which can cause temporary swelling in the cornea and lead to blurry vision
• A shift in your eye prescription, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy

These changes can vary greatly from one individual to another. Some women may experience only mild symptoms, while others could notice more pronounced changes. Below are some of the most common eye health issues associated with pregnancy and how to manage them.

Common Eye Health Changes During Pregnancy

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common complaint during pregnancy, often due to changes in hormone levels that reduce tear production. This can lead to a gritty sensation, irritation, redness, or even blurred vision.

Symptoms:

• Grittiness or sand-like feeling in the eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• Intermittent blurred vision

Management Tips:

• Use artificial tears: Preservative-free artificial tears can provide relief and keep your eyes moist.
• Wear sunglasses: Protecting your eyes from wind and UV rays can reduce dryness.
• Humidify your environment: A humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, particularly in dry indoor environments.

Avoid prolonged screen time: Screen use can exacerbate dryness. Be sure to take regular breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision during pregnancy is often temporary and linked to fluid retention, which can cause the cornea to swell slightly. This minor swelling can alter the way light is refracted through the eyes, leading to blurry or hazy vision.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty focusing on objects
• Hazy or distorted vision
• Temporary changes in visual acuity

Management Tips:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help manage fluid retention and minimize swelling.
• Monitor your vision: If you notice significant or prolonged vision changes, consult your eye care provider. In some cases, blurred vision may indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as preeclampsia.

Avoid unnecessary prescription changes: Unless your vision is severely affected, it’s generally advised not to change your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription during pregnancy, as your vision will likely return to normal postpartum.

Changes in Prescription

It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to notice shifts in their eyeglass or contact lens prescription during pregnancy. This is often due to hormonal changes and fluid retention that affect the curvature of the cornea.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty seeing clearly with your current prescription
• Increased eye strain or headaches

Management Tips:

• Wait before updating your prescription: If the changes are mild, it may be best to hold off on updating your prescription until after childbirth, as your vision will likely stabilize in the months following pregnancy.
• Switch to glasses if needed: If your contacts become uncomfortable due to changes in your eyes, consider switching to glasses temporarily.

Serious Eye Health Concerns During Pregnancy

While many eye changes during pregnancy are harmless and temporary, some symptoms could signal more serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. It’s important to know when to contact your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying complications.

Preeclampsia and Vision Changes

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to sudden and severe vision changes. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to your vision.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Sudden onset of blurred vision
• Flashing lights or floaters
• Sensitivity to light
• Temporary loss of vision

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as preeclampsia requires urgent medical attention.

Gestational Diabetes and Vision

Gestational diabetes can also impact eye health, as high blood sugar levels can cause changes in the blood vessels of the retina, potentially leading to diabetic retinopathy. This condition affects the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye and can cause vision loss if left untreated.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Blurred vision
• Floaters or dark spots in your vision
• Difficulty seeing at night

Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed by your doctor can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes-related eye problems.

Eye Health After Pregnancy: Postpartum Considerations

For many women, eye-related changes experienced during pregnancy resolve on their own in the weeks or months following childbirth. However, there are some postpartum considerations to keep in mind.

1. Reevaluating Your Prescription: If you noticed significant vision changes during pregnancy, it’s a good idea to have your eyes rechecked a few months after giving birth. Many women find that their prescription returns to its pre-pregnancy state, but for some, the changes may be permanent.
2. Breastfeeding and Vision: Hormonal fluctuations continue during breastfeeding, which can also affect your eyes. Dry eyes, for example, may persist during this time due to reduced estrogen levels. Continue using artificial tears if needed, and consult with your optometrist if symptoms persist or worsen.
3. Long-Term Eye Care: Maintaining overall eye health is important during and after pregnancy. Regular eye exams, especially if you have underlying health conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, are critical to ensuring your vision remains protected.

When to See an Eye Doctor

It’s always a good idea to consult an eye doctor if you notice any significant or persistent changes in your vision during pregnancy. While many changes are temporary, your optometrist can help determine whether further treatment is necessary or if the symptoms are linked to a more serious condition.

Key times to schedule an appointment include:

• If you experience sudden or severe vision changes
• If your eyes become increasingly uncomfortable or irritated
• If you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia or gestational diabetes

Your eye doctor will monitor your eye health, adjust your prescription if needed, and provide tailored advice on how to protect your vision throughout your pregnancy journey.

The Takeaway

Pregnancy is a time of immense change, and your eyes are no exception to the transformations your body undergoes. While dry eyes, blurred vision, and shifts in prescription are common and often temporary, it’s important to stay informed about how these changes can impact your daily life and overall comfort.

By following simple management strategies and knowing when to seek medical advice, you can ensure that your vision remains as healthy as possible throughout your pregnancy. As always, regular check-ups with your eye doctor can provide peace of mind and safeguard your eye health during this remarkable time in your life.