When you get pregnant, there are certain side effects you can likely expect, such as morning sickness and indigestion. However, there are other unexpected changes that may occur, including issues with your eyesight. Pregnancy can impact your vision in various ways, from blurry vision to dry eyes and changes in prescription. Here, ophthalmologist Ashley Brissette, MD, explains how pregnancy can affect your vision and offers tips for managing your eye health while expecting.
1. Blurry Vision: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter the thickness of the cornea, leading to fluctuations in vision, including blurriness or distortion.
2. Dry Eyes: Hormonal shifts can cause dry eye symptoms, making your eyes itchy, red, and painful, which can also impact your vision.
3. Changes in Prescription: Increased blood volume and fluid retention can affect the cornea and eye pressure, resulting in changes in vision prescription. Many pregnant individuals may experience nearsightedness during pregnancy.
4. Peripheral Vision Changes: Fluid retention in the body can cause puffiness around the eyes, affecting the shape of the cornea and limiting peripheral vision.
While these vision changes are usually temporary and resolve after childbirth, they can linger for up to six months postpartum. However, it’s essential to monitor any persistent or severe vision changes and seek immediate medical attention if needed. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing eye conditions should be especially vigilant about any changes in their eyesight during pregnancy. Managing eye issues during pregnancy can involve adjusting your prescription, staying hydrated, using artificial tears, cleansing your eyelids, limiting sodium and caffeine intake, and wearing contacts less frequently. If you experience vision changes that persist or worsen, consult with both your obstetrician and an ophthalmologist for proper evaluation and treatment.
