Pregnancy is a time of profound change for a woman's body. Nearly every system changes during pregnancy due to hormonal and biological reasons, including vision. While many expectant mothers anticipate morning sickness, fatigue, and swelling, fewer are prepared for vision alterations. Although blurry vision during pregnancy is a common and benign symptom, women rarely understand the reasons behind it.
Online resources for new mothers, as well as parenting courses, maternity books, and even attending doctors often (unintentionally) skip the topic of blurry vision during pregnancy. But why is such a substantial change in the women's body not talked about enough?
At Ophthalmology24, we believe women should learn how to recognize when blurry vision while pregnant may signal a more serious issue, and how to manage it.
Why Does Blurry Vision Occur During Pregnancy?
The factors leading to blurry vision during pregnancy are often linked to the hormonal and physical changes the body undergoes:
Hormones
Fluid retention
Reduced tear production
Blood pressure changes
Gestational diabetes
Retinal detachment
Hormonal Changes
Not a medical emergency
Pregnancy causes substantial shifts in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels. The hormones can alter the cornea's shape and thickness, affecting vision.
Fluid Retention
Not a medical emergency
Fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to increased pressure within the eyes, known as intraocular pressure. This pressure can temporarily affect vision due to cornea swelling, making things appear blurry.
Reduced Tear Production
Not a medical emergency
Pregnancy hormones can also decrease tear production, thus causing dry eyes. Dry eyes can cause intense discomfort for pregnant women and make their vision appear less clear.
Changes in Blood Pressure
Preeclampsia/Hypertension is a medical emergency
Pregnancy may cause fluctuations in blood pressure. Some women experience lower or higher than normal readings. Low blood pressure can reduce the blood flow to the eyes, causing mild temporary blurred vision.
On the other hand, high blood pressure, particularly in cases of preeclampsia, can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to severe visual disturbances. Besides preeclampsia, general hypertension during pregnancy can cause vision blurriness. Without treatment, it may lead to severe complications for both the mother and baby.
Preeclampsia can develop suddenly after the 20th week of pregnancy. Supporting symptoms are severe headaches, light sensitivity, seeing spots, swelling in the hands and face, and rapid weight gain.
Gestational Diabetes
Needs medical monitoring
Pregnant women who develop gestational diabetes may experience blurry vision during pregnancy due to high blood sugar levels. Elevated glucose can cause the lens inside the eye to swell, resulting in a change in vision clarity.
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or have risk factors for it, monitor your vision and report any changes to your doctor.
Retinal Detachment
Medical emergency
Though rare, retinal detachment can occur during pregnancy and childbirth. It may cause sudden vision changes, including blurring, floaters, or even vision loss.
Blurry vision during pregnancy as a result of retinal detachment is permanently vision-threatening and calls for immediate medical assistance.
Is Blurry Vision During Pregnancy Normal?
Blurry vision is one of the relatively common eye problems during pregnancy and is often a temporary condition. Most of the time, it’s due to benign causes like hormonal changes or fluid retention, which resolve after childbirth.
However, women should differentiate between normal pregnancy-related vision changes and those that could indicate a more serious condition. The best way to do that is to go for regular eye exams during the pregnancy period.
RELATED: Eye Risks When You Have Diabetes
When Is Blurry Vision a Cause for Concern?
Most instances of blurry vision during pregnancy are harmless. Here are the rare situations where it aids prompt medical attention:
Worsening symptoms
Unusual vision changes
Intense blurry vision
Migraine with aura
Seeing flashing lights and zigzag patterns
Persistent floaters and specs
Active eye infections
Preeclampsia diagnosis
Retinal detachment diagnosis
Gestational diabetes diagnosis
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Stay vigilant and prioritize your eye health. If you notice any warning symptoms, such as blurry vision, while pregnant, seek medical help.
Managing Blurry Vision During Pregnancy
If you experience blurry vision during pregnancy, the following tips can manage the symptoms:
Stay hydrated
Use artificial tears
Monitor blood sugar levels
Monitor blood pressure
Rest and relaxation
Regular eye exams
Drinking plenty of water can decrease fluid retention and keep the eyes moist. That lessens the potential of getting dry eye syndrome. If dry eyes already contribute to your blurry vision while pregnant, using preservative-free artificial tears will help.
If you have or are at risk of gestational diabetes, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is a must. You may do it through diet, exercise, and medication (if prescribed). You also need to quit smoking.
Pregnant women also need to follow their blood pressure for fluctuations using a blood pressure monitor device. That way, preeclampsia and hypertension can be caught on time, before causing serious vision trouble.
Stress, fatigue, and anxiety can worsen ocular disturbances like blurry vision during pregnancy. Get enough rest and practice deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga.
While routine eye exams are important, they become even more crucial during pregnancy. Let your eye doctor know you’re pregnant. This can positively influence the management of eye conditions causing blurry vision.
After Pregnancy: What to Expect
For most women, blurry vision that occurs during pregnancy resolves within a few weeks to a few months after childbirth. However, if your vision does not return to normal or you experience new symptoms, schedule a postpartum eye exam to rule out any lasting issues.
In Summary...
Blurry vision during pregnancy is often a normal, temporary condition due to the body’s natural adjustments to support a growing baby. But you need to recognize when vision changes may indicate a severe long-term problem. Consult an eye doctor if you have any concerns about your eyes.
Resources:
Pregnancy and blurred vision, All About Vision
✅ Medically reviewed
Checked by Atanas Bogoev, MD.