Pregnancy can impact almost every part of a woman's body and health — including her eyes. An estimated 14% of pregnant women report experiencing visual changes during pregnancy that usually resolve on their own within a couple of months after giving birth.

Normal Visual Changes During Pregnancy

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is the most common visual symptom during pregnancy, usually caused by hormonal fluctuations that cause the cornea to thicken slightly, affecting how light is focused. Less commonly, blurred vision can signal gestational diabetes or dry eye syndrome, both of which are worth discussing with your doctor.

Eye Dryness

Pregnancy hormones can cause a reduction in the amount of tears your eyes produce or affect tear quality. Eye dryness is particularly common in the last trimester. For this reason, some women find it difficult to wear contact lenses in their third trimester and temporarily switch to glasses.

Eye Puffiness

Pregnancy-related water retention may cause your eyelids and the tissues around your eyes to appear puffier. You may also notice darker areas under the eyes. Limiting salt and caffeine intake may help reduce puffiness.

Visual Changes That May Indicate a Problem

The following visual changes warrant a prompt call to your eye doctor or obstetrician:

• Flashes or floaters: These can signal high blood pressure associated with preeclampsia, a serious medical condition.
• Temporary vision loss: Vision loss is another warning sign of preeclampsia.
• Sensitivity to light: Light sensitivity can either be a normal side effect or signal dangerously high blood pressure.

How We Can Help

At Dayton Optometric Center, our goal is to keep your vision and eyes healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond. If you experience any visual symptoms, we can help by thoroughly examining your eyes to determine the underlying cause. Call us at (937) 228-2020 to schedule your eye exam in Kettering, Ohio.