Why do I have Blurred Vision During Pregnancy?

We all know that morning sickness and swollen ankles are some of the common pregnancy side effects. However, some women may encounter other less common difficulties. 

Are you worried about what other difficulties you can get into during pregnancy? If that’s the case, it becomes essential for you to know about one of the most challenging side effects of pregnancy: Blurred vision. While you may not think of your eyes as one of the regions that pregnancy affects, the truth is that many women have blurred vision while pregnant. 

You should keep in mind that blurry vision does not always mean that you should be concerned about your vision in the long run. If it happens to you, however, you should still consult your doctor at CFS because it can be associated with other pregnancy-related medical concerns.

What Is Blurred Vision?

Blurred vision in pregnancy most commonly develops after the first trimester and can continue throughout pregnancy. However, some women have blurry vision during pregnancy’s third trimester.

Pregnancy hormones can cause vision problems in women, and some may need to adjust their glass’s prescription to see normally again. Some women get a blurred vision in one eye during pregnancy.

Overall, about 15% of pregnant women experience blurry vision at some point during their pregnancy. Blurred vision is a common symptom of pregnancy hormone swings and can warn you of something more serious. Although, the majority of women discover that it does not continue long after delivery.

What Causes Blurred Vision?

Many factors can cause women to have hazy vision during pregnancy. The following can cause blurred vision:

• Less Tear Production

Pregnancy hormones frequently reduce tear production, resulting in dry, itchy eyes.

• Swelling & Increased Pressure In Eyes

Fluid can build up in your eyes, just as in your ankles, due to hormonal changes, such as drastically increased estrogen levels. This fluid buildup can distort your eyesight and change the structure of your eyes.

• Weak Immune System

While a compromised immune system may not affect your vision, the infections accompanying it can. Your immune system focuses on protecting your kid, but this makes you more prone to ailments like pink eye.

• Peripheral Vision

Doctors aren’t sure what causes your peripheral vision to deteriorate during pregnancy, but many believe it’s a side effect of hormonal changes.

• Coloured Eyelids

Melasma is a skin condition that typically occurs during pregnancy and can also affect the area behind your eyes.

Common Symptoms

The cause will determine the symptoms you have. Hormone fluctuations, for example, will not appear to be a more serious condition on their own. You may also experience blurry vision only when experiencing morning sickness, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Many patients with hazy vision also have the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Unclear or double vision
• Dryness, itching, or irritation
• Eye infections
• Prescription of contact lenses or glasses changes

These symptoms can appear as early as the 10th week. However, many women experience them later. They usually fade away within a few days of delivery, but they might last up to six weeks.

How To Prevent this?

Since hormone shifts create these complications, you may be unable to prevent this portion of your pregnancy. While pregnant women cannot prevent fuzzy or blurred vision, there are various ways to ease eye strain.

• Avoiding contact lenses will reduce eye irritation, mainly if your hazy vision is caused by dryness. Wear your glasses or purchase some to have on hand until your vision improves.
• Even if you don’t have frequent eye problems, do eye exercises. These exercises can help you maintain your eye muscles strong and focused.
• Rest helps with a variety of ailments, including foggy vision. Make an effort to obtain enough good sleep and take pauses throughout the day.

Treatment Of Blurry Vision

After your delivery, your eyes will usually return to normal. The most common technique to treat fuzzy vision is to find ways to make yourself more comfortable until the problem goes away on its own.

If your problem is caused by dry eyes, use lubricating eye drops to encourage tear production. They might also assist with irritation.

To keep your vision from deteriorating throughout pregnancy, take frequent breaks. You can also use sunglasses if you have sensitive eyes and vision changes.

Many people receive a new prescription for their glasses or contact lenses, but if possible, you should prevent it. You won’t need the prescription you acquired during pregnancy because your vision will alter after delivery. Similarly, avoid corrective surgery.

Can blurry vision be a sign of pregnancy complications?

Blurry vision can be a sign of:

• Preeclampsia:

High blood pressure & protein in urine during pregnancy. 

• Gestational diabetes:

High blood sugar during pregnancy without a history of diabetes.

Above conditions can put you and your baby at risk for complications. They can also affect your vision and, in severe cases, cause blindness. 

Do visit an eye specialist to rule out the above conditions in case you have blurry vision.

Contact an eye specialist if you experience:

• Blurry vision
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Eye floaters or flashes
• Visual field loss or blind spots
• Increased sensitivity to light

Can pregnancy worsen existing eye conditions?

Some pre-existing eye conditions can worsen during pregnancy & lead to further loss in vision. 

These conditions include:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Graves’ disease
• Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) 
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Tumors, such as pituitary adenomas
• Uveitis

Why CFS?

If your vision becomes blurry during pregnancy, you need not be concerned about your eye health. However, even though your eyes should return to normal within six weeks after giving birth, you should consult your doctor at Centre for Sight if you have any concerns. Until the condition goes away, a medical practitioner can help you cope with your changing vision.

Article: Why do I have Blurred Vision During Pregnancy?
Author: CFS Editorial Team   |   Jun 21 2022 | UPDATED 02:00 IST
*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.