Pregnancy and Blurry Vision: Is It Normal? Doctor Explains Causes and Tips To Manage

A woman’s body goes through numerous changes during pregnancy. During this time, many women feel like their vision has turned a little blurry. While this may seem like an unwelcome change, let us tell you that this is completely normal. Blurry vision during pregnancy is a temporary change that occurs due to hormonal shifts in the body. To understand more about its cause and how to deal with it, we interacted with a top gynaecologist.

Let us take a look at what our experts, Dr Lavanya Kiran, Director and Lead Consultant, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, have to say about this. 

Is Blurry Vision During Pregnancy Normal? 

Dr Kiran says that blurry vision may be a normal phenomenon occurring at any point in pregnancy. The expert explains, “Fluid retention and hormonal imbalance can affect vision since they tend to change the corneal thickness and structure. Moreover, pregnancy can cause dryness of the eyes, high light sensitivity, and inability to wear contact lenses. In most instances, vision will get back to normal after giving birth.”

So what is the cause behind this? According to the Cleveland Clinic, hormones that support your developing foetus can cause fluid retention. This extra fluid brings about certain changes your eyes that may result in blurry vision, such as:

• Changes to the shape or thickness of your corneas.
• Decreased tear production, which impacts the quality of your vision.
• Increased pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure).

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What Study Says About Pregnancy and Blurry Vision

A 2013 study, published in the Oman Journal of Ophthalmology, says that pregnancy brings many changes in a woman's body. And these changes can often impact the eyes and visual system as well. The study notes that many women experience blurry vision during pregnancy due to normal, temporary physical changes like a decrease in tear production that leads to dry and irritated eyes. 

During this time, the shape and thickness of the cornea can also change because the body holds more water, causing slight swelling. These changes to the cornea can change your eye's prescription. Even your current glasses or contact lenses may feel uncomfortable or less effective. 

The research notes that some pregnant women also experience a temporary loss of focusing ability (accommodation). This makes reading or seeing things up close a bit blurry. However, these vision shifts are usually temporary and related to pregnancy hormones. 

The study adds that eye doctors generally recommend waiting until several weeks after childbirth before getting a new prescription or considering laser eye surgery. Finally, the research highlights that while mild blurry vision and dry eyes are usually normal and temporary during pregnancy, any sudden or severe changes in vision should always be tested by a doctor. This can help pregnant women rule out more serious health issues. 

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Can Pregnancy Worsen Existing Eye Conditions?

The aforementioned study says that aside from normal changes, pregnancy can also worsen existing eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, which can cause severe blurry vision and needs to be monitored closely. It adds that while eye pressure naturally drops during pregnancy, it is actually good for pre-existing glaucoma, but sudden vision changes can sometimes indicate more serious systemic issues. 

Blurred vision may be a symptom of a condition affecting your eyes that can worsen during pregnancy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, pregnancy can worsen pre-existing conditions such as:

• Diabetic retinopathy.
• Graves' disease.
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Tumors, like pituitary adenomas.
• Uveitis.

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Tips To Deal With Blurry Vision During Pregnancy

Dr Kiran shares some tips to deal with blurring of vision due to pregnancy: 

• Make sure you are well-hydrated.
• Use eye drops as prescribed by your physician.
• Get enough sleep.
• Avoid straining your eyes by not staying on computer screens for long periods.
• You may use sunglasses when outside since your eyes may be prone to light sensitivity.
• It is important to have regular antenatal appointments as this will assist in the early detection of any condition that might pose a risk to either the mother or the unborn baby.

“Persistent or sudden vision blurring should always raise alarm because it may indicate various pregnancy problems including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, or gestational diabetes. It is important to seek medical assistance immediately in case of blurry vision combined with severe headaches, edema of the face or hands, vision of lights, loss of sight, and high blood pressure,” concludes Dr Kiran.

ALSO READ- What is Pregnancy Gingivitis? Expert Explains Causes, Signs and Tips to Manage

Conclusion

Experiencing blurry vision during pregnancy can be unsettling. However, it is generally a normal and temporary side effect of natural hormonal shifts and fluid retention. Simple lifestyle adjustments such as keeping yourself well-hydrated, getting enough sleep, and minimising screen time, all these can effectively help manage mild discomfort and dry eyes. However, sudden or severe vision changes can sometimes point towards serious complications such as preeclampsia. Therefore, it is important to attend regular prenatal check-ups and seek immediate medical attention if you experience alarming symptoms.