Pregnancy entails a myriad of physical and emotional alterations, and although most anticipate morning sickness, tiredness, and mood swings, blurry vision tends to come as a surprise to the pregnant mother. While changes in eyesight during pregnancy are generally a temporary and harmless phenomenon, in some cases, it can signify an underlying problem that necessitates a visit to a physician.
Let's take a closer look at what brings about these vision changes, when they're usual, and when they're a sign of something more serious.
In most instances, blurry vision while pregnant is absolutely normal. The body experiences drastic hormonal, metabolic, and circulatory changes to accommodate the growing fetus. These changes can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes.
In most women, changes in vision during pregnancy are temporary and mild. They may be caused by fluid retention, shifts in hormone levels, and even fatigue. The most important thing is to differentiate between symptoms that are temporary and will improve on their own and those that are persistent and may be a sign of complications.
Some common causes of blurred vision in pregnancy are:
1. Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy hormones such as progesterone and estrogen are said to change the cornea's shape and thickness, which may temporarily change how light gets into the eye and how well you see.
2. Fluid Retention
Pregnancy tends to make the body retain more water, which may impact the lens and cornea of the eye. This tends to make your vision appear blurry or less clear.
3. Dry Eyes
Hormonal changes also lower tear secretion. This causes dryness, discomfort, and blurriness in the eyes. Particularly when staring at screens or using contact lenses for extended periods.
4. Eye Strain
Pregnancy-induced fatigue, disrupted sleep, and extended screen time can all lead to eye strain. The result? Blurry or fatigued vision, particularly toward the evening.
5. Gestational Diabetes
For other women, pregnancy can lead to increased blood sugar levels. One of the first signs of gestational diabetes is unstable vision accompanied by changes in the level of fluids in the eye.
Hormonal fluctuations start influencing almost every aspect of the body, including the eyes. Most women experience slight vision changes during this phase.
Dryness and slightly blurry vision may be experienced. The third trimester is usually more stable, but minor changes in vision can continue due to ongoing fluid and hormonal fluctuations.
Blurred vision in pregnancy in the third trimester is more apparent. Fluid changes are at their worst, and conditions such as preeclampsia (explained below) may start to develop symptoms. It's worth paying attention to any sudden or extreme vision change during this period.
Most eye changes during pregnancy are benign. Yet some symptoms may develop into a more serious underlying health condition:
1. Preeclampsia
This pregnancy condition is linked with increased blood pressure and may result in symptoms such as blurry vision, spots, flashes of light, and even short-term vision loss. Swelling of the hands, face, and unexpected weight gain are also warning signals. Preeclampsia is a condition that demands prompt medical care.
2. Gestational Diabetes
Uncorrected blood sugar levels may lead to the movement of fluid into and out of the eyes, producing blurry or wavy vision. Compliance with your physician's recommendation is advisable if so diagnosed.
3. Retinal Alterations or Migraines
Certain expectant women have ocular migraines that induce flashing lights and temporary blindness. Ocular complications can happen in exceptional instances.
Get immediate medical attention if blurred vision during pregnancy is accompanied by:
You should never dismiss sudden changes in eyesight during pregnancy. If you're having constant blurry vision, light sensitivity, or flashes, make an appointment. Your OB-GYN might refer you to an eye specialist.
Don’t skip your routine prenatal checkups; they can help detect early warning signs of complications that may occur to you and the baby.
If your vision blurs mildly and is not associated with a medical problem, some lifestyle changes can alleviate discomfort:
Vision usually returns to normal within a few months or weeks following delivery. Fluid levels normalise, and symptoms such as swelling or dryness resolve.
Nevertheless, if blurred vision persists for three to six months following childbirth, schedule an eye examination to eliminate any ongoing problems.
At Cloudnine, we believe that pregnancy is more than a baby bump and sonogram; it's about integrated care that addresses every aspect of your journey, including vision-related modifications. Our board of experienced OB-GYNs, endocrinologists, and paediatricians collaborate to provide you with a complete pregnancy experience. From gestational diabetes control to risk monitoring for preeclampsia, Cloudnine provides world-class amenities and patient-centric care. Our proactive screenings provide early detection and prompt treatment, because we believe your peace of mind is as valuable as your physical well-being.
Blurred vision during pregnancy can be unsettling, but for most people, it's a harmless byproduct of your body adjusting to new changes. Nevertheless, it's always important to know when blurry vision might indicate something more serious, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
If in doubt, ask your OB-GYN. No question is too minor when it comes to your health and your baby's.
