Vision Changes during Pregnancy

What are normal vision changes during pregnancy?

Normally vision changes very little, if any, during pregnancy. In general, nearsightedness or farsightedness should not be affected by pregnancy. However, pregnancy may temporarily affect your ability to focus. It’s a good idea to avoid getting a new prescription for glasses or contacts while you are pregnant. Most of the time, it is better to wait until at least a few weeks after you have the baby.

If you wear contact lenses, you may have some discomfort during the last months of pregnancy. This is due to a slight swelling of the outer layer of the eye because of pregnancy hormones. If you have discomfort with contact lenses, try wearing glasses for a while. Any discomfort with contact lenses should go away a few weeks after the birth of your baby.

What should I watch out for?

If you have changes in your vision, such as blurred vision or seeing double, or seeing dark spots or flashing lights in front of your eyes call your healthcare provider right away. It may be a sign of preeclampsia, which can cause serious problems for you and your baby.

If you have any questions about your vision while you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider.