How Pregnancy Affects Vision
Pregnancy can cause many changes in a woman’s body, and her vision is no exception. Many women experience various vision changes throughout their pregnancy with blurry vision being the most common. While this is typically due to hormonal changes, vision changes can also occur due to more serious conditions such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, or hyperthyroidism.
If you are pregnant and experiencing flashing lights, double vision, temporary loss of vision, or any other concerning vision issues, it is important to make an appointment with your local eye doctor. At Rochester Optical, we provide comprehensive eye services to promote clear and comfortable vision for every patient — even those who are pregnant. Keep reading to learn more about how pregnancy can affect your vision, and if you have any concerns do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
Why Do I Experience Vision Changes During Pregnancy?
There are several reasons why pregnancy can cause vision changes. One reason is the increased levels of hormones in the body during pregnancy. These hormones can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to dilate or widen. This can lead to blurry vision. The increased blood flow can also make the eyes more sensitive to light.
Pregnancy can also cause the body to retain more fluid. This extra fluid can cause the eyes to swell, which can also lead to blurry vision. The extra fluid can also increase the pressure inside the eye, leading to a condition called glaucoma. Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss.
Another reason for vision changes during pregnancy is the increased blood volume in the body. This can cause the blood vessels in the retina (the back part of the eye) to leak fluid. The leaking fluid may cause swelling in the retina and can cause vision to become blurred.
When Does Blurry Vision in Pregnancy Begin?
For many pregnant women, blurry vision is the most common change, mainly due to changes in the cornea, occurring in the second and third trimesters. While worrisome, vision changes from pregnancy are often temporary and subside within several months of delivery or after you finish breastfeeding.
Other Vision Changes During Pregnancy
In addition to blurry vision and increased sensitivity to light, some pregnant women experience visual disturbances from migraines. Symptoms of this include flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots that stem from having a migraine headache with aura. While unpleasant and painful, these are very common during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy due to higher estrogen levels. If you are experiencing these symptoms it is always best to consult with your primary care physician to rule out any serious health complications and get medication to help them subside.
In rare cases, pregnancy can cause more serious vision problems, such as:
Glaucoma: This is a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss. Glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye becomes too high. This can happen if the eye is not able to drain the extra fluid that it is producing.
Cataracts: Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens. This can cause vision to become blurry. Cataracts are usually a result of aging, but they can also be caused by diabetes or trauma to the eye.
Retinal detachment: This is a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina (the back part of the eye) becomes separated from the back of the eye. This can happen if the retina is swollen from fluid leakage or if there is a tear in the retina.
How to Prevent Blurry Vision During Pregnancy
There is no sure way to prevent vision changes during pregnancy. However, there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk:
- Visit your eye doctor regularly
- Wear sunglasses or a hat when you are outside
- Take breaks when you are working on the computer or reading
- Rest your eyes often
Are Vision Changes During Pregnancy Ever Cause for Concern?
Most vision changes during pregnancy are temporary and will go away after the baby is born. In rare cases, pregnancy can cause more serious problems with vision including the following conditions:
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia: Some vision symptoms like blurry vision, double vision, and temporary loss of vision can be a sign of preeclampsia or eclampsia. This condition is very dangerous, causing high blood pressure аnd protein in thе urine usually developing in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy. Eclampsia is a complication of preeclampsia and can саuѕе seizures аѕ well. Additional signs of this condition include:
- Headaches
- New swelling of your face/legs/hands
- New nausea or vomiting
- Pain in your upper right abdominal area
- Graves eye disease and hyperthyroidism: Commonly referred to as dryness or gritty feeling in the eye, this condition often develops in people with Graves’ disease or those with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Hormonal changes during pregnancy can greatly affect your thyroid gland causing hyperthyroidism and may require anti-thyroid medication.
When Should I Call My Doctor About My Blurry Vision During Pregnancy?
While blurry vision is common, if you are pregnant and have any concerns about your vision, be sure to talk to your doctor or eye care professional — especially if you are experiencing any of the following additional symptoms:
- Eye floaters and/or flashes of light
- Blind spots
- Decreased vision
- Temporary loss of vision
- Double vision
- Irritation or grittiness in the eyes
- Redness or inflammation of the white part of the eyes
- Very watery or dry eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Bulging eyes
- Sudden and severe swelling in the face and hands
- Sudden weight gain
- Severe headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Decreased urine output
- Pain under your ribs on the right side
At Rochester Optical, we have years of experience caring for those who are pregnant and experiencing any of these concerning vision changes. Our team of eye care specialists will work with you and your primary care physician to help you through these difficult times by providing you with the latest information and care. Stop by one of our locations today!
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