It's common to experience vision changes during pregnancy, and it’s usually caused by hormonal changes that affect your eyes. You may notice your vision is blurry, your eyes feel dry or irritated, or your contact lenses become less comfortable. In most cases, these changes are temporary, and your eyesight returns to normal after your baby is born.

Here's what to know about how your vision may change during pregnancy and when vision changes may signal a problem.

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Key Takeaways
  • Blurry vision is a common, temporary pregnancy symptom. Hormonal changes can cause blurry vision, dry eyes, and contact lens discomfort. Most of the time, vision returns to normal after delivery.
  • Simple strategies can help manage pregnancy-related vision changes. Lubricating eye drops (with your practitioner's approval), giving your eyes regular breaks, wearing glasses instead of contacts, and following the 20-20-20 rule during screen time can ease discomfort.
  • Sudden or severe vision changes warrant immediate medical attention. Contact your health care practitioner right away if you have blurry vision along with other symptoms, such as a severe headache, significant swelling, and sudden weight gain.

When do vision changes during pregnancy start?

Depending on the reasons, at any point in pregnancy your eyes may become less sharp, blurry, scratchy, or more prone to infection. These vision changes are common, and many women say they become more noticeable as pregnancy progresses.

"I definitely can't see as well as I could before I was pregnant, starting in the second trimester," says What to Expect Community mom ephesians318-21. "I find myself squinting even with my glasses on."

"My vision increasingly gets worse up until labor," says Community mom moresparkles. "So many more floaters. It's almost foggy-looking at times."

What causes vision changes during pregnancy?

Pregnancy affects nearly every part of your body, including your eyes, so it’s no surprise that your vision may be affected, too.[1] Several factors can contribute to vision changes during pregnancy, including:

  • Reduced tear production. Pregnancy hormones can decrease tear production, leading to dry, irritated, and uncomfortable eyes.
  • Eye pressure. Hormones can also cause fluid to build up in your eyes, much like they cause swelling in your ankles and feet. This can change the curvature of your eye and affect your vision. You might also experience a change in the thickness of your cornea, making your eyes feel more sensitive — and contact lenses less comfortable to wear.
  • Reduced peripheral vision. Experts aren't sure why some pregnant women experience a temporary reduction in their field of vision, though hormones are thought to play a role. If you’re experiencing this symptom, be reassured that your eyesight will return to normal after your baby is born.

Track your pregnancy symptoms, get more expert advice, and connect with other pregnant moms on our free What to Expect app.

What can I do about vision changes when I'm pregnant?

Here are some tips to help you cope with pregnancy-related blurry vision:[2]

  • Use pregnancy-safe eye drops. If your eyes feel especially dry, lubricating eye drops, also called “artificial tears,” are often safe, affordable, and available over the counter. Ask your health care practitioner for recommendations to help you choose one that's safe to use during pregnancy.
  • Give your eyes a rest. Avoid eye strain by reading in good lighting and taking frequent breaks. Don’t drive if you feel like you can’t see very well. If your contact lenses are bothering you, consider wearing your glasses until after delivery.
  • Hold off on a new prescription. Unless your vision changes are making it difficult to function, don't bother with a new pair of glasses or contact prescription while you're pregnant. Your vision will likely return to normal postpartum.
  • Avoid corrective surgery. Ophthalmologists recommend that you steer clear of corrective laser eye surgery (like LASIK) for six months before conception, during pregnancy, and for six months after delivery (or six months after weaning, if you're breastfeeding). While the procedure won't harm your baby, it might lead to over-correction, which could require additional treatment later.

If blurry vision during pregnancy is significantly affecting your daily life, talk to your practitioner. In some cases, they may recommend seeing an eye care specialist to determine whether additional evaluation or treatment might be helpful.

What can I do if my eyes bother me after computer use?

If you stare at a computer screen much of the day, you might find that your eyes feel strained or your vision is blurry — a common problem that pregnancy can make worse. These tips may help:

  • Blink often.
  • Take frequent breaks away from your screen.
  • Use the 20-20-20 rule recommended by the American Optometric Association: Every 20 minutes, look at an object that’s about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.[3]
  • Reduce glare from other light sources (like lamps or windows).
  • Consider computer glasses.
  • Try an anti-glare screen.
  • Position your screen slightly below eye level and about 2 feet from your face.

Can I prevent vision changes during pregnancy?

You can’t prevent blurry vision or other pregnancy-related vision changes, but you can be prepared. Keep lubricating eye drops on hand, and have a backup pair of glasses if you wear them. 

If your vision feels too unpredictable for driving, ask your partner, family, or friends for help getting around until your eyesight returns to normal.

"I don't like to drive because my vision is so unpredictable," says Community mom BebbaSpebba. "Sometimes I'm fine and sometimes I just can't see."

When can I expect my vision to go back to normal?

Fortunately, pregnancy-related vision changes are temporary, and your eyesight should go back to normal after delivery.

"I had blurry vision during my pregnancies with both of my sons," says Community mom gidget226. "It resolved postpartum!"

When should I call my practitioner about vision changes during pregnancy?

While blurry vision during pregnancy is very common and usually no cause for concern, sudden or severe changes in vision can sometimes signal a more serious condition, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.[4] Vision changes can also be caused by an eye infection or inflammation, such as pink eye.

Mention any vision changes at your next prenatal visit, and call your practitioner right away if you experience sudden blurry vision or blurry vision along with any of the following:

"I delivered my first daughter at 30 weeks due to severe preeclampsia," says Community mom brittle. "Blurry vision, seeing spots, and headaches were all symptoms."

Most pregnancy-related vision changes improve after delivery, but if anything about your vision feels sudden or unusual, don't wait to let your practitioner know.