How Pregnancy Affects Your Vision

Pregnancy is an exciting time. Still, it can also bring a host of changes to your vision. As the hormones in your body change and fluctuate during this period, you may experience various eye-related issues that can affect how clearly you see or make your eyes uncomfortable

It’s good to be aware of these common changes and take steps to protect your vision throughout pregnancy. 

Common Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Here’s what you can expect:

• Dry Eyes – Many women experience dry eyes during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations. It usually happens around mid-pregnancy when hormone levels are at their highest point and decreases after delivery as hormone levels return to normal. 

• Blurry Vision – During pregnancy, it is not uncommon for women’s eyesight to become blurry or cloudy due to their changing hormones. It should resolve itself once their hormone levels return to normal after childbirth.

• Light Sensitivity – Some pregnant women find themselves more sensitive than usual when exposed to bright lights, such as sunlight or fluorescent lighting in stores or office buildings, which can cause discomfort. 

• Floaters – Small spots may appear in front of one’s field of vision, known as floaters. These tend to increase with age but may temporarily worsen during pregnancy because many people become dehydrated while expecting a baby.

• Glaucoma – Women with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk for developing it during the later stages of their pregnancies, so regular checkups with an optometrist will help ensure that any potential problems are caught early on before causing further damage.  

Eye Health During Pregnancy

Here are some tips for protecting vision during pregnancy:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A and C.

• Drink plenty of fluids, like water, every day.

• Wear sunglasses outdoors if needed.

• Get regular checkups from an optometrist throughout all trimesters.

• Rest often and get adequate sleep each night.

• Manage stress by taking breaks from work, exercising regularly, etc.

Why You Should Get Checked

If pregnant women fail to protect their vision, they risk serious complications such as premature birth, miscarriage and gestational diabetes. Regular optometrist visits are essential to catch any potential problems before they become more severe.

Lumen Optometric in Sierra Madre, CA, is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care for all stages of life. We offer various services, such as comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings and treatment for dry eye. We also have optometrists specializing in scleral lenses, neurolens treatment and other services. Call us at (626) 921-0199 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.