Vision changes can happen during pregnancy and are usually minor.
For example, your vision may seem somewhat blurry or your eyes may feel dry and irritated.
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Why Does Your Eyesight Change During Pregnancy?
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Hormone fluctuations and physical changes that happen during pregnancy can affect your vision.
Your vision should return to normal after the birth of your baby.
What Are Normal Vision Changes During Pregnancy?
Normal vision changes that happen during pregnancy tend to be minor.
You might notice that your vision is blurry or that your eyes seem dry and irritated.
Blurry Vision
Pregnancy often causes swelling throughout the body.
Swelling that sometimes occurs during pregnancy may cause mild changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription.
You may feel more nearsighted with distant objects being more blurry.
Dry Eyes
Blame it on hormones if your eyesconstantly feel dry.
The quality or quantity of your tears may also change substantially while you’re pregnant.
Dry eyes can sometimes cause you to feel like a piece of sand is in your eye.
Your eyes may burn, itch, or even suddenly become excessively watery.
This puffiness can even make it harder to see things that are in your peripheral (side) vision.
Sensitive Corneas
During pregnancy, the shape of the cornea changes in subtle ways.
The cornea may also swell, which is called edema.
Corneal edema can cause the cornea to become irritated more easily.
If you wearcontact lenses, this can cause them to fit differently.
Dry eyes may also make your contact lenses feel uncomfortable.
If you’re an avid contact lens wearer, you may have to switch to glasses during your pregnancy.
What Conditions Cause Vision Changes That Are a Concern?
Some changes in vision during pregnancy can point to a serious condition that requires treatment from a healthcare provider.
These dark spots could be what’s known as scotomata.
Scotomata can indicatepreeclampsiaoreclampsia, complications during some pregnancies that can cause blood pressure to become dangerously high.
It is seen in up to 8% percent of pregnant people.Preeclampsia can be a serious issue.
A healthcare provider should be contacted if you experience these symptoms.
What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia a dangerous condition that usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy.
People with this condition have extremely high blood pressure.
If left untreated, preeclampsia can cause serious or fatal complications for both you and your fetus.
High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which can cause blurry vision.
In severe cases, both of these conditions can cause permanent eye problems or even blindness.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
If you have diabetes, you are susceptible to the development or worsening ofdiabetic retinopathyduring your pregnancy.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Mention any vision changes to your healthcare provider.
Even blurry vision needs to be noted, since it can be a symptom of gestational diabetes.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before using over-the-counter remedies during pregnancy.
Eye drops and other eyecare products you used before pregnancy may not be safe during pregnancy.
Ask your eye healthcare provider about other treatments if artificial tears don’t resolve your symptoms.
If you wear contact lenses, consider wearing them for shorter periods of time.
If your eyes are puffy, try applying a cool, wet washcloth or a cool gel pack.
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