How Will My Vision Change in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a transformative experience that affects nearly every part of your body, and this includes your vision. Although vision changes during pregnancy are not always discussed, they are relatively common and can vary from mild to more significant alterations. Understanding these potential changes is an essential part of antenatal care. It allows you to monitor your health during pregnancy and stay informed about what to expect. Additionally, if you’re already experiencing changes in vision, knowing when to seek professional help is crucial.

In this Antenatals article, we will explore how pregnancy can affect your vision, the potential causes behind these changes, and what you can do to maintain good eye health during your antenatal journey. We will also cover key aspects of antenatal appointments that may involve vision tests, what pregnancy care involves for eye health, and how to manage discomfort.

1. Hormonal Changes and Vision in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant hormonal shifts that can impact various systems, including your eyes. The hormone changes, especially the increased levels of progesterone and oestrogen, can lead to several visual alterations.

Common Vision Changes:

• Blurred Vision: One of the most common changes is a temporary blur in vision. This can happen because of fluid retention, which affects the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the transparent layer that covers your eye, and any swelling or fluid build-up can make it slightly misshapen, causing blurred vision.

• Dry Eyes: Hormonal changes can also cause a decrease in the production of tears, leading to dry eyes. This may cause irritation, redness, and discomfort. It’s especially common in the first and third trimesters.

• Increased Sensitivity to Light: During pregnancy, you may notice that your eyes are more sensitive to bright lights or glare. This heightened sensitivity is caused by hormonal fluctuations and can affect your daily activities.

• Changes in Eye Pressure: Pregnancy can affect intraocular pressure (IOP), the pressure inside the eye. While this usually does not pose a significant risk for most women, it can be important to monitor if you have a history of eye conditions or pregnancy-related health issues like gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia, which can exacerbate vision problems.

Why These Changes Happen:

These vision changes are often temporary and linked to the body’s response to pregnancy hormones, fluid retention, and changes in metabolism. The good news is that these symptoms generally improve after childbirth when hormone levels return to normal.

2. Gestational Diabetes and Vision Problems

One condition that can significantly affect vision during pregnancy is gestational diabetes. This condition can cause fluctuating blood sugar levels, which in turn may lead to blurry vision. High blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell, affecting your ability to focus.

How to Manage:

• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, along with prenatal care, can help manage gestational diabetes and reduce the risk of vision complications.
• Consult Your Doctor: If you experience persistent blurry vision or notice sudden changes, it’s important to consult your antenatal clinic. They may want to perform eye exams to ensure everything is in order.

3. Pre-eclampsia and Severe Vision Changes

In rare cases, severe vision problems during pregnancy can be linked to pre-eclampsia, a condition characterised by high blood pressure and damage to organs, including the eyes. Pre-eclampsia can cause changes in vision, such as sudden vision loss, flashing lights, or seeing spots. It is essential to be aware of these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these signs.

Symptoms to Watch Out For:

• Headaches or persistent pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Sudden vision changes like blurriness, seeing spots, or flashes
• Swelling in the hands and face, especially sudden swelling
• Elevated blood pressure (typically above 140/90 mmHg)

If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately contact your antenatal clinic or midwife to discuss further examination and potential treatment.

4. Managing Vision Discomfort During Pregnancy

Though some degree of vision change is common during pregnancy, there are steps you can take to ease discomfort and maintain healthy eyes.

Tips for Maintaining Eye Health:

• Use Artificial Tears: If you experience dry eyes, over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help relieve the discomfort. Make sure to choose a pregnancy-safe product.

• Take Frequent Breaks: If you spend a lot of time staring at screens, take regular breaks to avoid eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule (take a 20-second break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away) is a simple way to rest your eyes.

• Protect Your Eyes from the Sun: Pregnancy may make you more sensitive to light, so wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help reduce glare and discomfort when outside.

• Ensure Proper Hydration: Staying hydrated helps prevent dryness in your eyes. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain overall hydration levels.

• Proper Nutrition: A diet rich in antenatal vitamins that supports overall health, including vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, can contribute to good eye health during pregnancy.

5. When to Seek Medical Advice

While mild changes in vision are common, certain symptoms should prompt you to seek medical advice. If you notice any of the following, it’s essential to contact your antenatal care provider for an eye exam:

• Persistent or sudden changes in vision, such as loss of vision, flashing lights, or a sudden onset of floaters.
• Swelling or pain around your eyes.
• Any signs of pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure, such as sudden swelling, headaches, or visual disturbances.

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or pre-eclampsia, your healthcare provider may schedule more frequent antenatal checkups to monitor both your health and your vision more closely.

6. The Role of Antenatal Care in Vision Health

Regular antenatal appointments with your midwife or obstetrician are essential for monitoring your overall health, including your vision. If you experience any changes in vision, it’s important to bring them to the attention of your healthcare team. They can offer guidance, assess whether further tests are necessary, and refer you to an eye specialist if required.

Additionally, antenatal education during these appointments can help prepare you for the changes you may experience, including those related to your eyes. Understanding what to expect can help alleviate anxiety and ensure that you feel supported throughout your pregnancy.

7. Postpartum Vision Care

After delivery, most pregnancy-related vision changes will resolve, but it’s still important to maintain good eye health. If you had more severe vision changes or a condition like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up eye exams in the postpartum period.

As part of your postpartum recovery, make sure to continue with antenatal support for any ongoing health concerns. Regular checkups and eye care can help ensure that any vision issues are addressed promptly and that you’re supported in your recovery after childbirth.

Vision changes during pregnancy are common, and while they are typically temporary, they can sometimes signal underlying health conditions like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia. Monitoring your vision throughout pregnancy, attending regular antenatal appointments, and seeking help when needed can ensure your eye health is properly managed. If you experience significant changes, don’t hesitate to contact your antenatal clinic or midwife for guidance and support.

Maintaining good antenatal care and paying attention to your body’s signals will help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy and recover well after childbirth. Be sure to keep track of your health, including your eyes, and speak with your healthcare team about any concerns you may have.