Blurry Vision While Pregnant

What is blurry vision during pregnancy?

Blurry vision during pregnancy is a temporary change in the quality of your eyesight. It occurs due to the effects of hormone changes on your eyes. Unexpected changes to your vision can be worrisome. But blurry vision is rarely a sign of a permanent eye issue.

What does blurry vision during pregnancy mean?

With blurry vision, objects may not appear as sharp as usual. Instead, they appear hazy, like trying to look through fog. Some pregnant people also experience red, irritated eyes.

Blurred vision may occur:

• With or without corrective lenses.
• In one or both eyes.
• In only part of your field of vision.

When does blurred vision occur in pregnancy?

Because hormone changes start in the early weeks of pregnancy, some people notice vision issues early on. But blurry vision can occur at any point during pregnancy.

Will my vision return to normal?

Most people with blurry vision during pregnancy regain their normal eyesight in the weeks following delivery.

What causes blurred vision during pregnancy?

Hormones that support your growing baby cause fluid retention. This extra fluid changes your eyes in ways that may result in blurry vision.

They include:

• 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).

Can blurry vision be a sign of pregnancy complications?

Blurry vision can be a sign of:

• Gestational diabetes: Abnormally high blood sugar during pregnancy in people who don’t have a history of diabetes.
• Preeclampsia: High blood pressure and protein in your urine during pregnancy.

Both conditions can put you and your baby at risk for complications. Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia can also affect your vision and, in severe cases, cause blindness. If you have or are at risk for these conditions, it’s important to pay attention to your vision changes.

Contact an eye doctor (optometrist) if you experience:

• Dimmed vision.
• Double vision (diplopia).
• Eye floaters or flashes.
• Partial vision loss or blind spots.
• Sensitivity to light.

Can pregnancy worsen existing eye conditions?

Blurred vision may be a symptom of a condition affecting your eyes that can worsen during pregnancy.

These conditions include:

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

Are there treatments for blurry vision during pregnancy?

Few treatments are available for blurry vision during pregnancy. For red, irritated eyes, lubricating drops can bring relief. In most cases, it’s best to wait for your eyesight to improve after giving birth.

How can I take care of my eyes when I have double vision during pregnancy?

You can take steps to reduce eye strain and protect your vision by:

• Avoiding contact lenses, because they may not fit your corneas correctly.
• Limiting screen time, including laptops, phones and other mobile devices that emit blue light.
• Making sure you are in well-lit areas for reading and other tasks that require working with small objects.
• Performing eye exercises to strengthen muscles that can improve focus.
• Resting your eyes throughout the day by taking breaks and naps, if possible.
• Wearing sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to light.

What is blurred vision like with preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia requires specialized care to protect your health, your unborn baby’s health and your eyesight.

Treatment may include:

• Bed rest.
• Blood pressure medications that are safe to take during pregnancy.
• Eye exams every trimester during pregnancy and yearly after delivery to screen for complications.

Your healthcare provider may recommend inducing labor to deliver your baby if the preeclampsia is severe.

What treatments are necessary for blurred vision due to gestational diabetes?

In addition to taking good care of your eyes, you can manage blood sugar levels by:

• Avoiding processed foods, high-fat meals and sugary drinks.
• Eating a healthy diet with appropriate protein, fat and carbohydrate levels.
• Exercising to help your body use more glucose.

Your provider might prescribe insulin (as injections) for optimal blood sugar management.

Why is my vision blurry after pregnancy?

On rare occasions, vision remains blurry after pregnancy. For some people, it can take longer than expected — up to nine months — to reverse the effects of pregnancy hormones.

If it’s been longer than nine months or blurry vision affects your daily activities, visit an optometrist. You may need a new corrective lens prescription.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about blurred vision during pregnancy?

Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice changes in your vision. You may feel as if you can manage blurry vision on your own. But it’s essential to know whether it’s a sign of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or some other medical condition.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Blurry vision during pregnancy is common, and there may not be much you can do about it. In most people, normal vision returns a few weeks after delivery. Blurry vision can also signify pregnancy complications that can affect your health or that of your unborn baby. It’s important to seek care for any unexpected changes to your vision during pregnancy. Doing so can help protect your long-term eye health.