Next review: August 2027, or sooner if pregnancy, preeclampsia, diabetic retinopathy, or ophthalmology guidance changes
Written and source checked by: Adel Galal, Founder and Editor of NextFitLife
Medical review status: Editorially reviewed against current ACOG, American Diabetes Association, National Eye Institute, FDA, and ophthalmology guidance. This article has not been medically reviewed by an obstetrician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, maternal-fetal-medicine specialist, endocrinologist, or pharmacist.
Quick Answer: How Can Pregnancy Affect Your Eyes?
Pregnancy can temporarily affect the tear film, cornea, contact-lens comfort, and vision. Some people notice dry or irritated eyes, mild fluctuating blur, or a change in contact-lens tolerance.
But not every vision change should be attributed to hormones. New blurred vision, flashing lights, bright spots, blind spots, double vision, sudden loss of vision, or vision changes with a persistent headache may be warning signs of preeclampsia, retinal disease, a neurological problem, or another condition that needs prompt assessment.
Vision changes can also matter after childbirth. ACOG notes that postpartum preeclampsia can first appear after delivery, including after a pregnancy with normal blood pressure.
For broader eye-care information, visit the Eye Health & Vision Hub.
Pregnancy Vision Changes That Need Urgent Care
Contact your obstetric team promptly for new vision changes during pregnancy or in the early postpartum period, especially when they occur with headache, high blood pressure, facial or hand swelling, shortness of breath, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or sudden weight gain.
ACOG identifies concerning vision symptoms such as:
- blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- seeing flashes or bright spots
- blind spots
- double vision
- temporary or significant loss of vision
Seek emergency eye or medical care for sudden major vision loss, a new curtain or dark shadow over the visual field, a sudden shower of new floaters with flashes, severe neurological symptoms, seizure, collapse, or another rapidly developing vision emergency.
Medical and Editorial Notice
This article provides general education. It cannot determine whether a vision change is caused by pregnancy, preeclampsia, diabetes, retinal disease, migraine, infection, medication, or another medical condition.
If your vision changes suddenly, significantly, or together with pregnancy warning symptoms, do not rely on an online article to decide that the change is harmless.
Common Eye and Vision Changes During Pregnancy
Hormonal, fluid, vascular, and metabolic changes during pregnancy can affect the eyes. Some changes are temporary and do not represent eye disease.
Possible pregnancy-related changes include:
- dryness, grittiness, or burning
- greater contact-lens discomfort
- mild fluctuating blur
- temporary refractive changes
- changes in corneal thickness or curvature
- changes in intraocular pressure
These findings vary between individuals. Pregnancy does not make every episode of blurred vision or eye discomfort “normal.” New, persistent, one-sided, painful, or sudden changes deserve assessment.
Dry Eyes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can contribute to dry-eye symptoms and changes in tear production. Symptoms may include:
- burning or stinging
- a gritty or sandy feeling
- intermittent blur
- eye fatigue
- contact-lens discomfort
Screen use, dry air, wind, and contact lenses can make symptoms more noticeable.
Simple comfort measures include taking screen breaks, blinking regularly, avoiding air blowing directly into the eyes, and using a humidifier when indoor air is very dry.
Lubricating artificial tears are commonly used for dry-eye symptoms, but pregnancy-specific information varies by product. Ask an obstetric clinician, pharmacist, optometrist, or ophthalmologist if you are unsure which product is appropriate, especially for frequent use.
A red, painful, light-sensitive eye, discharge, injury, or significant loss of vision should not be treated as routine dry eye.
Is Blurred Vision Normal During Pregnancy?
Mild refractive or corneal changes can occur during pregnancy and may cause temporary blur. Ophthalmology literature describes changes in corneal thickness, curvature, tear production, and contact-lens tolerance during pregnancy.
However, the amount of refractive change varies, and not everyone develops a meaningful prescription shift.
If your glasses seem less accurate, an eye-care professional can check whether the change is temporary, whether a temporary prescription adjustment would improve function, or whether another condition needs to be excluded.
Do not assume sudden or marked blurred vision is a routine pregnancy prescription change. If it is new, significant, or associated with headache or other preeclampsia symptoms, contact the maternity team promptly.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses During Pregnancy?
Many people can continue wearing contact lenses during pregnancy if they remain comfortable and the eyes are healthy.
Pregnancy-related tear-film and corneal changes can make lenses feel less comfortable. Reduce wear or switch to glass if you develop persistent dryness, redness, pain, or blurred vision.
Do not sleep in lenses unless the lenses and your eye-care professional specifically permit overnight wear. Stop lens wear and seek eye assessment for significant redness, pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or reduced vision because these may signal corneal infection or another complication.
Preeclampsia and Vision Changes
Preeclampsia is one of the most important medical reasons not to dismiss a new vision change during pregnancy.
ACOG says preeclampsia can involve high blood pressure and signs that organs are not working normally. Warning symptoms can include:
- a headache that will not go away
- seeing spots or other changes in eyesight
- upper abdominal or shoulder pain
- nausea or vomiting in the second half of pregnancy
- sudden swelling of the face or hands
- sudden weight gain
- difficulty breathing
Visual symptoms can arise from effects on the retina, choroid, optic pathways, or brain. Severe hypertensive disease can occasionally cause serious retinal or neurological complications.
For the postpartum blood-pressure warning signs and thresholds, read What Causes High Blood Pressure After Giving Birth?
Flashing Lights, New Floaters, or a Curtain Over Vision
Flashes and spots can occur for many reasons, but a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a dark curtain or shadow across the visual field can indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment.
The National Eye Institute describes retinal detachment as a medical emergency because delayed treatment can increase the risk of permanent vision loss.
Go to an eye doctor or emergency department right away if you suddenly develop:
- many new floaters
- flashes of light
- a curtain, veil, or shadow over part of your vision
- sudden significant vision loss
Diabetes, Pregnancy, and Eye Exams
The distinction between preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes is important.
Preexisting Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association's 2026 Standards of Care recommends counseling people with preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes about the risk of diabetic-retinopathy progression during pregnancy.
An eye examination should ideally occur before pregnancy and again during the first trimester. Additional monitoring during pregnancy and for up to 1 year postpartum may be needed depending on the degree of retinopathy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes alone does not automatically require diabetic-retinopathy screening during pregnancy under the ADA 2026 Standards of Care. The ADA states that people who develop gestational diabetes do not appear to have increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy.
This differs from preexisting diabetes, which may have been affecting retinal blood vessels before pregnancy.
An eye examination can still be appropriate for gestational diabetes if vision symptoms develop or there is another eye-health reason for assessment.
For broader blood-sugar guidance, visit the Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management Hub.
Can You Have an Eye Exam During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is not a reason to ignore new eye symptoms or postpone medically necessary eye assessment.
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can check:
- visual acuity
- refractive error
- eye movements and pupils
- eye pressure when indicated
- the cornea and front of the eye
- the retina and optic nerve when indicated
Dilation or additional testing may be recommended when the expected diagnostic benefit is important. Tell the eye-care professional that you are pregnant and how far along you are so medication and testing decisions can be individualized.
Are Eye Drops Safe During Pregnancy?
There is no single answer for every eye drop. Lubricating drops, allergy drops, antibiotic drops, steroid drops, glaucoma medicines, redness relievers, and prescription dry-eye medicines have different ingredients and pregnancy information.
Before using a medicated eye product regularly during pregnancy:
- check the active ingredient rather than relying on the brand name
- tell the pharmacist or clinician that you are pregnant
- do not use leftover antibiotic or steroid eye drops
- do not continue a prescription eye medicine without discussing pregnancy with the prescriber
- do not stop an essential glaucoma or other eye medicine abruptly without medical advice
A painful red eye or significant visual change needs diagnosis rather than repeated self-treatment with over-the-counter redness drops.
LASIK and Refractive Surgery During Pregnancy
Elective refractive surgery is postponed during pregnancy because hormone-related corneal and refractive changes can make measurements unstable.
The FDA lists pregnancy and breastfeeding among situations associated with refractive instability and recommends discussing the additional risks with the eye surgeon.
If you are planning LASIK, PRK, or another refractive procedure, wait until your eye-care professional confirms that your prescription and corneal measurements are stable.
Eye and Vision Changes After Delivery
Some pregnancy-related dryness or refractive changes may gradually improve after childbirth, but there is no single deadline by which every person's vision must return to a prepregnancy baseline.
Do not dismiss new postpartum vision symptoms as hormonal recovery. ACOG says vision changes are especially concerning during late pregnancy and the first weeks after giving birth because they can occur with postpartum preeclampsia or stroke.
Postpartum preeclampsia can first appear after delivery and may develop up to 6 weeks postpartum. Call the obstetric clinician immediately for new blurred vision, light sensitivity, seeing spots, persistent headache, shortness of breath, face or hand swelling, upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, or a postpartum blood-pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
Practical Eye-Care Habits During Pregnancy
- use sunglasses that provide UV protection outdoors
- take regular screen breaks and blink frequently
- reduce contact-lens wear if dryness or irritation develops
- avoid sleeping in contact lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear
- do not rub a painful or injured eye
- do not put homemade mixtures, essential oils, or herbal products into the eye
- use protective eyewear for activities that could injure the eyes
- tell your eye-care professional about pregnancy before using prescription drops or planning procedures
- seek assessment promptly for sudden or significant vision changes
A balanced pregnancy diet supports overall health, but no food, vitamin, or supplement can prevent every pregnancy-related eye condition or replace assessment of new vision symptoms.
For nutrition information, visit the Nutrition & Vitamins Hub.
Key Takeaway
Eye health during pregnancy can change because of hormones, fluid shifts, tear-film changes, and metabolic changes, but new vision symptoms should never automatically be labeled normal.
Dryness and mild fluctuating blur may be temporary. New flashing lights, blind spots, double vision, major blur, a curtain over vision, or sudden vision loss need prompt assessment.
Vision changes with persistent headache, high blood pressure, face or hand swelling, shortness of breath, or upper abdominal pain may be signs of preeclampsia during pregnancy or after birth.
People with preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes need pregnancy-specific diabetic-retinopathy monitoring. Gestational diabetes alone does not automatically require diabetic-retinopathy eye screening under current ADA guidance.
References and Authoritative Sources
- ACOG: Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
- ACOG: Conditions to Watch for After Childbirth — Postpartum Preeclampsia
- National Eye Institute: Retinal Detachment
- American Diabetes Association: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, Retinopathy
- American Diabetes Association: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, Pregnancy
- FDA: When Is LASIK Not for Me?
Source review date: August 9, 2026
These organizations do not endorse NextFitLife.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Health During Pregnancy
Can pregnancy cause blurred vision?
Yes. Pregnancy-related changes in the cornea, tear film, fluid balance, and blood sugar can affect visual clarity. However, sudden or significant blurred vision should not automatically be considered normal.
When is blurred vision during pregnancy concerning?
Contact the obstetric team promptly for new blurred vision, especially when it occurs with a persistent headache, high blood pressure, seeing spots, face or hand swelling, upper abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, or sudden weight gain.
Can preeclampsia cause vision changes?
Yes. ACOG lists changes in eyesight and seeing spots among possible preeclampsia symptoms. Severe hypertensive disease can also affect the retina and visual pathways.
Can preeclampsia affect vision after the baby is born?
Yes. Postpartum preeclampsia can first develop after childbirth, including after a pregnancy with normal blood pressure. New postpartum vision changes deserve prompt obstetric assessment.
Are dry eyes common during pregnancy?
Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can affect tear production and the ocular surface, causing dryness, burning, grittiness, or contact-lens discomfort in some people.
Can I keep wearing contact lenses while pregnant?
Often yes if they remain comfortable and the eyes are healthy. Reduce or stop lens wear and seek assessment if you develop persistent redness, pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or reduced vision.
Should I change my glasses prescription while pregnant?
Pregnancy can cause temporary refractive changes, but the degree varies. If your vision interferes with daily activities, an eye-care professional can determine whether a temporary prescription change is appropriate.
Does gestational diabetes require a diabetic-retinopathy eye exam?
Not automatically. The ADA 2026 Standards of Care states that people who develop gestational diabetes do not require diabetic-retinopathy eye examinations during pregnancy solely because of gestational diabetes.
What if I had type 1 or type 2 diabetes before pregnancy?
Current ADA guidance recommends an eye examination ideally before pregnancy and in the first trimester, with additional monitoring during pregnancy and up to 1 year postpartum when indicated by retinopathy severity.
Are eye drops safe during pregnancy?
Safety depends on the active ingredient and why the drop is being used. Ask an obstetric clinician, pharmacist, or eye-care professional about medicated or frequently used eye drops during pregnancy.
Can I have LASIK while pregnant?
Elective refractive surgery is generally postponed because pregnancy can cause refractive instability. FDA guidance identifies pregnancy and breastfeeding as situations in which vision may fluctuate.
What do sudden flashes, floaters, or a curtain over vision mean?
They can be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment. The National Eye Institute advises urgent eye or emergency assessment because retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss.
Is this article medically reviewed?
No. It was source-checked against current ACOG, ADA, NEI, FDA, and ophthalmology guidance but has not been medically reviewed by a licensed obstetric or eye-care professional.
Medical Disclaimer
NextFitLife provides general educational information. This page cannot diagnose preeclampsia, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, dry-eye disease, infection, neurological disease, or another cause of vision change and cannot replace obstetric, ophthalmic, optometric, or emergency assessment.
Health & wellness writer with 30+ years of experience in nutrition, fitness, and healthy aging. Founder of NextFitLife.com — evidence-based health guidance.
