7 Ways Pregnancy Can Affect Your Vision

Baptist Eye Surgeons • June 1, 2022

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting experiences of someone’s life. However, it also comes with new concerns such as nutrition and more frequent doctor visits. One concern you may not be aware of is how pregnancy can affect your vision and certain pre-existing eye conditions. This can present new challenges that you’ve never faced before.Eye floaters worse during pregnancy

In this blog we will look at:

  • Dry eyes
  • Changes in prescription
  • Puffy eyelids
  • High blood pressure
  • Migraine headaches
  • Diabetes
  • Glaucoma

1. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a very common symptom of pregnancy. As one 2021 study points out, your eyes can feel dryer than normal at any gestational age or during any trimester. Fortunately, this condition is usually temporary and disappears once your child has been born. It’s also safe to use eye drops while pregnant or nursing to help you feel more comfortable.

Depending on the time of year, it can be difficult to tell the difference between dry eye syndrome and seasonal allergies. The hallmark of both conditions is eyes that feel irritated and uncomfortable. Talk to your ophthalmologist at Baptist Eye Surgeons to determine which you are suffering from and if it’s related to your pregnancy. They will be able to recommend treatment that will resolve any discomfort related to dry eye.

Click here to read our blog on the differences between seasonal allergies and dry eye syndrome!

2. Changes in Prescription

Changes in hormone levels can affect the strength of your vision while pregnant. This can cause your vision to weaken and require a change in eyewear prescription. This is why it is a good idea to discuss possible vision changes with your Knoxville eye doctor. They can let you know if new eyewear will be necessary or if you should wait a few weeks after delivery.

Prescription changes during pregnancy may be due to myopic shifts caused by changes in lens curvature and corneal thickness. These myopic shifts can make it even more difficult to see far away objects than before you were pregnant. However, your refractive condition will likely return to pre-pregnancy levels after you have delivered your baby.

To learn how refractive errors such as myopia are diagnosed, click here !

3. Puffy Eyelids

Puffy eyelids are another common side-effect of hormonal changes during pregnancy. They can actually interfere with your peripheral (side) vision, so it’s important that you take the proper steps to reduce or prevent water retention. This can be done by drinking plenty of water as well as reducing the amount of sodium and caffeine that you consume.

4. High Blood PressureWeird vision problems during pregnancy

It’s common for pregnant women to experience blurry vision and spots in front of their eyes. These symptoms are often a result of high blood pressure, which can also reduce blood flow to the placenta among other issues. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience high blood pressure while pregnant so that you can receive treatment while keeping your baby safe.

The best course of action is to take good care of yourself while pregnant, ensuring your and your baby’s health. This includes :

  • Keeping your prenatal appointments
  • Taking medication as prescribed by your doctor
  • Maintaining an active lifestyle
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking

5. Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are another common side effect due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. They can also make your vision much more sensitive to light. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine for migraines while pregnant, both prescription and non-prescription. They can give you prenatal advice that will ensure your child’s health throughout your pregnancy.

6. Diabetes

You will need to pay especially close attention to your vision if you already have diabetes or develop it while pregnant ( gestational diabetes ). In these cases, blurry vision may actually be a symptom of high blood sugar levels. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), this can lead to birth defects as well as complications for your own health.  

Diabetes is a condition that interferes with the body’s ability to convert carbohydrates (starches and sugars) from food into energy. In these cases, the body:

  • Makes too little insulin
  • Can’t use the insulin it creates
  • Makes no insulin at all

This causes blood sugar to build up in the blood leading to complications for you and your baby. Talk to your doctor about treatment options that will maintain the health of you and your baby.

7. Glaucoma

Although not a complication of pregnancy, having glaucoma can have a big impact on what medications you can take while pregnant. This is because some medications for the condition can be dangerous for your developing baby. This is especially true for carbonic anhydrase inhibitors . Discuss your medication options with your doctor if you have glaucoma and are planning on becoming pregnant or have become pregnant to determine the best treatment for you.

Are you pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant and concerned about your vision? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Pregnancy can affect your vision in a variety of ways. Common issues include dry eyes, changes in your eyewear prescription, and puffy eyelids. More serious conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and glaucoma will require planning with your doctor for treatment. This will ensure your health and the health of your baby throughout your pregnancy.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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