Pregnancy is a time of incredible change for a woman’s body. While most focus on the physical transformations, it’s equally important to understand how pregnancy can affect your vision.

Hormonal Changes and Eye Issues

The surge in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone during pregnancy can lead to several eye-related changes:

• Pigmentation: You might notice increased pigmentation around your eyes, often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.”
• Drooping eyelid (ptosis): One eyelid may droop slightly, a condition known as unilateral ptosis.
•  
• Dry eyes: Pregnancy can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, causing dryness, itchiness, and sensitivity to light. Over-the-counter eye drops and lifestyle adjustments can often manage this discomfort.

Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Fluid retention is a common pregnancy symptom that can also affect your eyes. This can cause:

• Blurred vision: The cornea, the clear front part of your eye, thickens due to fluid retention, leading to temporary blurry vision.
• Changes in prescription: The cornea’s shape might be altered, impacting your refractive error and causing discomfort with contact lenses.

It’s crucial to avoid making significant changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription during pregnancy, as these changes may be temporary. Your vision is likely to stabilize after childbirth and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and Existing Eye Conditions

If you have a pre-existing eye condition such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular oedema, or Graves’ disease, close monitoring by your eye specialist is essential during pregnancy. These conditions can worsen due to hormonal fluctuations and other pregnancy-related factors.

Remember: While these eye changes are common during pregnancy, it’s always best to consult with your eye care professional for any concerns. Regular eye exams can help monitor your eye health and address any issues promptly.

By understanding these potential eye-related changes, you can better prepare for and manage any visual discomforts during pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional 1 for any medical concerns.