Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation. Your body adapts in many ways to support new life, and it’s common to notice changes you didn’t expect—including shifts in your vision.
It’s often normal for your vision to become blurry during pregnancy, but it’s important to understand the causes. For most people, these changes are temporary and harmless, but sometimes they can be a sign of a health concern that needs attention.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision in Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings many changes to your body, and your vision is no exception. Most of the time, these shifts are temporary and directly related to hormonal fluctuations.
Hormonal Shifts & Fluid Retention
Changing hormones can cause your body to hold on to more fluid. This water retention can affect the thickness and shape of your cornea, which may lead to blurry eyesight. It can also increase the pressure inside your eye.
Dry Eyes & Tear Production
Pregnancy hormones can also affect your tear production, which can leave your eyes feeling dry, gritty, or tired. If your vision improves when you blink, dry eyes might be the cause. Symptoms of dry eyes can include:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling
- Soreness or burning
- Watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
Migraines & Visual Aura
Some people experience migraines during pregnancy, which can come with visual disturbances known as an aura. This might look like:
- Flashes of light
- Zigzag patterns or stars
- Blind spots
- Temporary vision loss
When Blurry Vision Signals a Health Concern
While often harmless, blurry vision can sometimes point to a more serious health condition that requires attention. It’s important to know the signs so you can seek the right care.
Signs of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that involves high blood pressure during pregnancy. Blurry vision is just one possible sign of severe preeclampsia. Look for other symptoms such as:
- A headache that won’t go away
- See spots or flashes of light
- Sudden swelling in your face or hands
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain below your ribs
Signs of Gestational Diabetes
High blood sugar that develops during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. Blurry vision can often be a warning sign. Other vision changes to note include:
- Double vision
- New floaters
- Blind spots
How These Conditions Affect Your Baby
Vision changes themselves don’t affect your baby, but the underlying cause of those changes might. Proper management of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes helps support both your health and your baby’s health throughout the pregnancy.
Simple Ways to Cope with Blurry Vision at Home
You can take a few simple steps to make yourself more comfortable while your vision adjusts. These tips can help manage the temporary blurriness and keep your eyes feeling their best.
Give Your Eyes a Rest
If you spend a lot of time on a computer, take frequent breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. A good night’s sleep also helps reduce eye strain and blurriness..
Switch to Eyeglasses
Hormonal changes can slightly alter the shape of your cornea, which might make your contact lenses feel uncomfortable or not fit properly. You may find more comfort if you switch to your eyeglasses until after your baby is born.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops
If your eyes feel dry, artificial tears can provide relief. These over-the-counter drops add moisture to your eyes, which may help clear up blurriness related to dryness. Discuss your options with your eye doctor to find the best treatment for you
Wait for a New Prescription
It’s often a good idea to wait before you get a new prescription for glasses or contacts. Your vision will likely return to normal after you give birth. Any new prescription you get during pregnancy might not be correct afterward.
Vision Changes After Your Baby Arrives
Vision typically returns to its pre-pregnancy state within a few weeks of delivery. However, it can sometimes take a little longer for your eyes to get back to normal as your body continues to adjust.
Postpartum Preeclampsia
High blood pressure can also occur in the days and weeks after childbirth. This is called postpartum preeclampsia, and it can happen even if you didn’t have high blood pressure during pregnancy. Blurry vision is one of the possible signs.
Time for a New Prescription
If your vision is still blurry nine months after your baby is born, it might be time for a new prescription. A timely eye exam can determine if your vision has permanently changed and whether you might need new eyewear and contacts.
Your Eye Health & Pregnancy Journey
Pay attention to any changes in your vision during and after pregnancy. Regular communication with your healthcare providers helps keep you and your baby healthy.
If your blurry vision persists long after delivery or affects your daily activities, it’s a good idea to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. We can assess your eye health and update your prescription if needed.
Your eyes and vision are precious, and we’re here to help you protect them. If you have questions about your eye health during or after pregnancy, our team at Vivid Eye Care is here to support you. With locations in Cranston Market and Meadows Mile, we’re proud to provide accessible, comprehensive eye care for families across Calgary. Our experienced and motivated team uses advanced technology to help answer all your eye care questions and keep your vision at its best.
