Pregnancy can bring a long list of unexpected changes, from food cravings to swollen feet. But one change many women don’t anticipate is a shift in their vision.
If you’ve noticed blurry vision, dry eyes, or difficulty wearing contact lenses during pregnancy, you’re not imagining it. Hormonal changes can affect the eyes in several ways, leading to temporary vision changes that often resolve after delivery.
We spoke with Iowa Eye Center ophthalmologist, Dr. Elizabeth Gauger, about why vision changes can occur during pregnancy, when to schedule an eye exam, and why it’s best to postpone LASIK until after your baby arrives.
Why does pregnancy affect vision?
During pregnancy, hormonal changes affect nearly every part of the body—including the eyes. Increased fluid retention can temporarily alter the shape and thickness of the cornea, which may affect how clearly you see.
”Many women are surprised to learn that pregnancy can affect their vision,” says Dr. Gauger. “It’s not uncommon to experience temporary changes in focus, clarity, or sensitivity to light, and in most cases, those changes improve after delivery as hormone levels return to normal.”
Dry eyes and contact lens discomfort
Many women experience dry eye symptoms during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations can affect tear production, leaving the eyes feeling dry, irritated, or more sensitive than usual.
For contact lens wearers, this may make lenses feel uncomfortable or cause them to fit differently than they did before pregnancy. Some women find that switching to glasses more often during pregnancy helps improve comfort.
Should I get an eye exam during pregnancy?
For women with healthy eyes and uncomplicated pregnancies, mild vision changes are usually not a cause for concern. However, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam if:
- Vision changes are significant or persistent
- You experience sudden blurry vision
- You have diabetes or another condition that affects eye health
- Your current glasses or contact lenses are no longer providing clear vision
- You have concerns about changes in your eyesight
An eye exam can help determine whether your symptoms are related to normal pregnancy changes or something that requires additional attention.
When vision changes may require immediate attention
According to Dr. Gauger, most pregnancy-related vision changes are harmless, but there are times when they shouldn’t be ignored. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience:
- Sudden blurred vision
- Double vision
- Flashing lights
- Partial loss of vision
- Severe headaches accompanied by vision changes
- Swelling in the face or hands, along with vision changes
In some cases, these symptoms can be associated with pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure that requires prompt medical attention.
“While most vision changes during pregnancy are related to normal hormonal fluctuations, sudden or significant changes should always be evaluated,” says Dr. Gauger. “We want to rule out anything that could affect the health of the mother or baby.”
Why LASIK should be delayed until after pregnancy
If you’ve been considering LASIK, pregnancy is not the ideal time to move forward with the procedure.
LASIK depends on precise measurements of the eye and a stable prescription. Because pregnancy can temporarily affect the shape of the cornea, tear production, and overall vision, the measurements taken during pregnancy may not accurately reflect your long-term vision needs.
In addition, some medications commonly used before and after LASIK are not recommended during pregnancy.
Hormonal changes don’t disappear immediately after childbirth, either. For some women, vision fluctuations and dry eye symptoms can continue during breastfeeding. Because LASIK works best when vision is stable, most surgeons recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete before scheduling a consultation.
“We want your vision to be stable before performing LASIK,” says Dr. Gauger. “Waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding helps ensure the most accurate measurements and the best long-term results.”
The good news about pregnancy-related vision changes
Temporary vision changes during pregnancy are common and often resolve on their own after delivery. While blurry vision, dry eyes, and contact lens discomfort can be frustrating, they are usually a normal part of the body’s response to changing hormone levels.
The most important thing is to pay attention to your symptoms. Routine fluctuations in vision are often temporary, but sudden or significant changes should always be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Schedule an eye exam at Iowa Eye Center
If you’re experiencing changes in your vision during pregnancy, an eye exam can provide peace of mind and help ensure your eyes remain healthy throughout your pregnancy journey.
The team at Iowa Eye Center is here to help answer your questions and evaluate any vision changes you’re experiencing. Call 319-362-3937 to schedule an eye exam, or request an appointment online.
