How Hormones and Pregnancy Affect Your Eyes
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative time—but let’s be honest, it comes with a lot of surprises. From the moment those hormones kick in, your body goes through major changes—and yep, that includes your eyes and vision.
If you’re pregnant or planning to be, it’s important to know what’s normal when it comes to your eyes… and when it’s time to check in with your friendly optometrist in Katy, TX. So let’s dive into how hormones and pregnancy can affect your eyes, what to watch out for, and how Eye Vantage is here to help you see clearly through it all.
What’s Going On with Your Hormones During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy triggers a surge of hormones—especially estrogen and progesterone—which help support your growing baby. But these same hormones also affect other parts of your body, including your tear production, fluid retention, and even the shape of your eyes.
All of that means your vision might feel... different. Maybe not dramatically, but noticeably. Let’s break it down.
Common Eye Changes During Pregnancy
👀 Blurry Vision
Thanks to fluid retention, the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) can swell slightly, changing its shape. This can cause mild blurring or a shift in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
👉 Most of the time, this is temporary and resolves after delivery or once you finish breastfeeding.
😵💫 Dry Eyes
Pregnancy hormones can reduce tear production, which may leave your eyes feeling dry, gritty, or irritated. Wearing contact lenses might become uncomfortable, especially in later trimesters.
💡 Tip: Use preservative-free artificial tears and talk to your eye doctor about switching to glasses if needed.
🌞 Light Sensitivity
Some women report increased photophobia, or sensitivity to light. This is often tied to hormonal shifts and changes in tear production. It usually improves after delivery.
👓 Changes in Prescription
You might notice your vision isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be. If you’re pregnant and suddenly need to squint more, don’t worry—this isn’t uncommon.
However, we don’t typically recommend updating your glasses or contacts during pregnancy, unless the change is significant. Wait until after your hormones settle to ensure an accurate prescription.
🌀 Migraines with Visual Disturbances
If you’re prone to hormonal migraines, pregnancy can either improve or worsen them. Sometimes, these migraines include aura—flashes of light, zig-zag patterns, or temporary blind spots.
If you experience this and it’s new for you, contact your eye doctor or OB-GYN right away.
When Vision Changes Could Signal a Bigger Problem
While many vision changes during pregnancy are harmless, some can be red flags for more serious health conditions:
⚠️ Preeclampsia
This condition—marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine—can cause vision disturbances like:
Blurry vision
Floaters
Flashing lights
Temporary loss of vision
If you notice any of these, don’t wait. Call your OB-GYN and visit an eye doctor immediately. At Eye Vantage in Katy, TX, we can perform a retinal exam to check for signs of swelling or vascular changes in the eyes.
⚠️ Gestational Diabetes
If you develop gestational diabetes, you’re also at risk for diabetic retinopathy—a condition where high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive eye exam during your pregnancy to monitor for early changes.
Can You Still Wear Contacts During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can—but your comfort level might change. Due to corneal swelling and dryness, contact lenses may not fit or feel the same.
If you’re struggling, here’s what we suggest:
Use lubricating drops (again, preservative-free is safest during pregnancy).
Take more frequent contact lens breaks.
Consider switching to glasses until after delivery.
Your optometrist can also recommend lenses better suited for dry eyes if needed.
Should You Get an Eye Exam While Pregnant?
Absolutely—especially if:
You’re experiencing new vision symptoms
You have gestational diabetes
You have a pre-existing eye condition
It’s been more than a year since your last exam
At Eye Vantage, we offer gentle, safe, and thorough eye exams for expectant moms in Katy, TX and Elyson. We’ll avoid dilation unless it’s medically necessary and ensure any treatments or recommendations are safe for both you and your baby.
FAQs: Eye Health During Pregnancy
Q: Can pregnancy permanently change my eyesight?
A: Most pregnancy-related vision changes are temporary. Your vision should return to normal within a few months postpartum.
Q: Are eye drops safe during pregnancy?
A: Many over-the-counter lubricating drops are safe, but always check with your optometrist or OB-GYN before starting anything new.
Q: Can I get LASIK while pregnant?
A: Nope. Pregnancy affects corneal shape, so LASIK results wouldn’t be accurate. It’s best to wait 3–6 months after breastfeeding ends.
Q: What if my eyes feel worse after delivery?
A: Hormonal shifts after childbirth can still affect your eyes. If symptoms persist, schedule a postpartum eye exam to get everything checked out.
Your Eyes Deserve TLC—Especially Now
Pregnancy is already a lot to manage—but your vision and eye health don’t have to be one more mystery. Whether you're in your first trimester or bouncing a newborn on your hip, Eye Vantage is here to support you with compassionate, expert care.
For expert care tailored to women during pregnancy, visit Eye Vantage in Katy, Texas. Call (281) 626-9885 to schedule a prenatal eye exam today.