Blurred Vision During Pregnancy: Know Everything About It

If you’re pregnant and facing blurred vision, read this blog until the end. Many expecting mothers in India experience blurred vision during pregnancy, and while it can be unsettling, it’s usually manageable.

As an experienced eye doctor in Delhi, I’ve seen many women facing this exact issue, sometimes in their second trimester, sometimes near delivery. The good news? Most cases are temporary. But understanding why this happens and what you can do makes a big difference. As your eye doctor, I can provide you with the necessary guidance, tests, and treatments to manage your blurred vision during pregnancy.

What is Blurred Vision During Pregnancy?

Blurred vision during pregnancy refers to the loss of sharpness or clarity in eyesight. You may feel like your surroundings are foggy, your eyes are not focusing properly, or reading becomes harder than usual. For some, it’s just a minor discomfort, but for others, it may interfere with daily work, driving, or even household tasks.

This visual change is usually due to the hormonal, metabolic, and blood circulation shifts your body goes through while growing a baby. However, not all blurry vision is harmless. In some cases, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, which can pose risks to both you and your baby. Knowing the difference and seeking medical advice is key to managing these risks.

What Are Blurred Vision Causes During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy affects nearly every system in your body, and your eyes are no exception. These are some common blurred vision causes seen in pregnant women:

• Hormonal changes: Your body produces more progesterone and relaxin, which can cause fluid retention. This changes the thickness and shape of your cornea, affecting how your eyes bend light.
• Dry eyes: A very common complaint among expecting mothers. Due to hormonal fluctuations, your tear production may decrease, leading to irritation and blurry vision.
• Gestational diabetes: This condition affects blood sugar levels and may impact the blood vessels in your eyes, causing blurry or fluctuating vision.
• Preeclampsia: A serious condition marked by high blood pressure during pregnancy. One of its warning signs is blurred vision during pregnancy, along with flashes of light, seeing spots, or temporary vision loss.
• Blood flow changes: The volume and pressure of blood circulating in your body increase, which can put pressure on tiny blood vessels in the eyes and affect vision.

Symptoms You May Notice

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but here are some common signs that go hand-in-hand with blurred vision during pregnancy:

• Difficulty focusing on words or faces
• Frequent squinting
• Seeing floaters or flashes of light
• Dryness, itchiness, or burning in the eyes
• Headaches or eye strain after screen time
• Sensitivity to light
• Temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes (requires urgent care)

How Is It Diagnosed?

As an eye doctor in Delhi, I typically begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and stage of pregnancy. If you’re experiencing blurred vision, a few non-invasive tests can help identify the cause:

• Visual acuity test: Measures how clearly you see letters or symbols from a distance
• Slit-lamp examination: Helps inspect the front part of your eye, including the cornea and lens
• Retinal examination: Checks the back of your eye to detect swelling or damage to blood vessels
• Blood pressure and blood sugar tests: Especially important if you show signs of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes

We avoid dilation drops unless absolutely necessary, especially in the third trimester.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Thankfully, most cases of blurred vision during pregnancy do not need aggressive treatment. Your vision usually returns to normal after delivery. However, based on the cause, here are some solutions you might be offered:

• Lubricating eye drops for dry eyes (preservative-free and pregnancy-safe)
• Eyeglass prescription adjustment if your current lenses are not helping
• Blood sugar control if gestational diabetes is involved
• Monitoring and managing blood pressure in case of preeclampsia
• Cool compresses and rest to reduce eye fatigue

Avoid LASIK or any major eye procedures during pregnancy, unless it’s an emergency. Your eye measurements may change, and these adjustments are usually temporary.

Home Remedies and Eye Care Tips

If your blurred vision is mild and not related to a serious medical issue, these simple tips can provide relief:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce screen strain.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes and body well-moisturised.
• Use a clean, damp cloth: Place it over closed eyes to reduce dryness and soothe irritation.
• Sleep well: Fatigue can make your eyes feel heavier and more strained.
• Limit screen time as much as possible.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from UV light and dust.

Remember, always check with your doctor before trying any new remedies, especially during pregnancy.

Common Myths Around Blurry Vision in Pregnancy

Let’s clear up some confusion:

• Pregnancy ruins your eyesight forever.
  Most changes are temporary and reverse after childbirth.
• You should not get your eyes checked during pregnancy.
  Eye exams are not only completely safe during pregnancy but also very helpful, as long as you inform your doctor that you’re expecting. This knowledge will empower you to take control of your eye health during this crucial time.
• Wearing glasses will make your vision worse.
  Wearing the right prescription glasses can reduce strain and make you more comfortable.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor in Delhi?

Sometimes blurred vision can be a warning sign. You should consult an eye doctor in Delhi immediately if you experience:

• Sudden or severe vision loss
• Double vision
• Persistent headache with vision changes
• Seeing halos or flashing lights
• Vision changes with swelling in hands/face or high BP

Don’t ignore these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications for both you and your baby.

A Warm Note from Dr. Anisha Gupta

If you’re pregnant and noticing blurred vision during pregnancy, know that you’re not alone,  and you’re not imagining things. These changes are real, and they’re often manageable with expert care. Whether it’s a small discomfort or something more concerning, it’s always worth checking in.

You’re welcome to book a personal consultation with Dr. Anisha Gupta, a trusted eye doctor in Delhi, to get a gentle, professional evaluation tailored to your pregnancy journey.

Your eyes deserve as much care as the rest of your body during this beautiful phase. Book your appointment today and see the world clearly and comfortably.