Vision Changes During Pregnancy: Causes, Concerns, and What to Do
Blurred vision in pregnancy? Learn common causes, warning signs, and when to see a doctor.
In short: Slightly blurred vision is common in pregnancy because of hormonal changes, dry eyes and fluid retention, and usually clears after delivery. But it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes: if it comes with severe headache, pain in the upper abdomen or sudden swelling, go to the emergency department at once to have your blood pressure checked. See the doctor immediately for double vision, temporary loss of vision, or spots and flashing lights.
Blurry or changing vision is a common complaint during pregnancy. The good news is that most cases are simply related to the normal physiology of pregnancy and do not need serious medical treatment — most symptoms ease naturally within a few months after delivery.
That said, some vision changes can point to an underlying condition such as preeclampsia, diabetes, or a refractive eye disorder. Your doctor should be able to tell the difference between normal pregnancy-related changes and something that needs closer attention, so unnecessary treatment can be avoided.
Vision changes during pregnancy, which can start as early as the first trimester, are often caused by changes in the thickness of the cornea — this happens to as many as 15 percent of pregnant women. Hormonal shifts, changes in metabolism, fluid retention, and altered blood circulation during pregnancy can all affect your eyes.
If you notice a significant change in your vision, it’s best to see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for a proper examination.
What can you do about blurred vision?
- Pregnancy-safe eye drops, also known as “artificial tears,” are often safe to use.
- Rest your eyes when you can.
- Avoid getting a new eyeglass prescription right away — wait until after your baby arrives, when your vision should return to normal.
- Don’t over-correct your vision in the meantime.
How else can pregnancy affect the eyes?
Dryness and irritation
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your eyes may feel irritated and drier than usual.
Visual disturbances from migraines
One cause is a condition called migraine headache with aura, which some women experience for the first time during pregnancy, often noticed as flashing lights or blind spots.
However, flashing lights or blind spots appearing for the first time in pregnancy, particularly in the second half, should always be checked by your doctor the same day, because they can also be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
Eye disease
Some women with an otherwise healthy pregnancy can develop an eye condition where fluid builds up under the retina. The layers of the retina then separate and distort vision, creating blind spots — this is called central serous chorioretinopathy.
This condition is linked to stress hormones and usually develops in late pregnancy. Vision typically returns to normal by the end of pregnancy or within a few months after delivery.
Changes to current eye conditions
Pregnancy can improve or worsen existing eye conditions. Diabetes
If you have diabetes that started before pregnancy, you should have a retinal (eye) screening examination early in pregnancy and again at around 28 weeks. If you use glaucoma eye drops, ask your eye doctor to review them as soon as you know you are pregnant, and do not stop or change them on your own.-related eye changes often worsen during pregnancy, while glaucoma sometimes improves, allowing medication doses to be reduced under medical supervision.
When should vision changes during pregnancy concern you?
Some vision changes can be a warning sign of a more serious condition, such as high blood pressure in pregnancy.
About 25% of women with severe preeclampsia and 50% of women with eclampsia develop visual symptoms, including blurred vision, blind spots, inability to focus the eyes, double vision, and flashes of light. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy or together with headache, pain below the ribs or sudden swelling, contact your doctor or go to the hospital the same day so your blood pressure and urine can be checked.
If you have concerns about vision changes or any symptoms during your pregnancy, the team at Dr. Najeeb Layyous clinic is here to help guide you through a safe and supported pregnancy journey.
Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
The finest doctor in Jordan — may God bless him and his whole medical team. A doctor in every sense of the word. I advise anyone planning a pregnancy to visit Dr. Najeeb Layyous. His manner is wonderful, always smiling, with the highest ethics; he gives every patient her due, and the patient’s comfort matters most to him. We had been to many doctors and none understood and treated my case except him. Special thanks to him and the whole team, and to Dina in particular — a lovely person. I recommend anyone considering IVF or pregnancy to visit his clinic.