How Does Your Eyesight Change During Pregnancy?

Throughout pregnancy, the female body undergoes some drastic hormonal and physical changes. What people are surprised to learn though is that your eyes also experience some significant changes.

It’s important to state that many of the changes experienced during pregnancy are reversible and no cause for concern. Your sight should return to normal after your baby is born but some problems may require medical attention.

Signs To Look Out For

Pigmentary Changes

Most females are aware that pigmentary changes can happen during pregnancy. This is reversible and can affect as many as 90% of pregnant women. This temporary increase in pigmentation can affect the eyelids and can also cause existing pigmentation (called a conjunctival naevus) to increase in size. This generally only requires observation.

Blurred Vision

It is not uncommon for some pregnant females to notice subtle changes which may cause them to question whether their prescription is correct. During pregnancy, many women retain fluid, and this can also occur in the lens and the cornea thus causing blurred vision. Our advice is usually just to monitor things as the vision often returns to normal once you have had the baby or stopped breastfeeding.

Dry Eye

Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can sometimes affect the structure of the tear film and cause dry eye. Most women who experience this change often claim their eyes feel gritty and have issues wearing contact lenses as a result. Preservative free artificial tears can alleviate the discomfort and your optometrist can advise you on what to use.

Hypertension/pre-eclampsia

Your midwife should caution you to look out for blurred, double vision, light sensitivity or even complete loss of vison. This can be caused by increase in blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, which would require immediate medical intervention from either your optometrist or midwife. 

Pre-Existing Eye Conditions

If you suffer from general health issues such as diabetes or thyroid disease, these are conditions that are already known to affect your eyes. If you are pregnant and have these conditions, it is important that you attend regular eye examinations.

If you are currently taking any eye related medication for a pre-existing condition, you should check that any treatment you currently take is safe during pregnancy.

If you have not had your eyes tested within the last two years you can book an eye examination via our online portal or by calling our friendly and helpful team on 0115 933 2999.