It’s common for women to experience changes in their vision during pregnancy. One of the most common complaints is blurry vision, which can be frustrating and concerning. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve blurry vision while pregnant.
In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of blurry vision in pregnancy and provide tips on treatment and prevention. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about managing vision changes in pregnancy.
Causes Of Blurry Vision During Pregnancy
There are a few key reasons pregnant women may deal with temporary vision changes like blurriness:
- Hormonal changes – Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen can affect eyesight. These hormones may cause fluid retention or changes to the cornea, leading to blurry vision.
- Blood sugar fluctuations – Unstable blood sugar levels can temporarily change vision. Blurry vision or spotty vision is common with low blood sugar.
- Fatigue – Plain old exhaustion from carrying a baby can strain the eyes and muscles used for focusing.
- Dry eyes – Many pregnant women suffer from dry, irritated eyes due to hormone shifts. This can create blurry vision.
- Swelling – Extra fluid in the body and increased blood flow can cause swelling in the eyes and around the cornea, distorting vision.
If blurry vision comes on suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms like headache or eye pain, contact your doctor right away. Sudden vision changes may signal a more serious condition like preeclampsia. Otherwise, there are some simple ways to reduce blurry vision during pregnancy at home.
Also Check: Best Exercise To Boost Fertility When You Have PCOS
Treatment For Blurry Vision During Pregnancy
Here are some effective home treatments for improving blurry vision while pregnant:
- Use over-the-counter artificial tears – Dry eyes are a major cause of blurry vision. Use preservative-free eye drops throughout the day to lubricate dry eyes and prevent irritation.
- Take frequent breaks – Give your eyes a break from screens and tasks requiring visual focus every 20 minutes. Look into the distance to relax the eye muscles.
- Adjust lighting – Ensure you have adequate lighting in your home and workplace. Dim lighting strains the eyes. Position lamps and sit near windows to minimize eye strain.
- Check your pregnancy vitamins – Taking prenatal vitamins with lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc can improve eye health. Make sure your vitamin contains these key nutrients.
- Sleep with extra pillows – Sleeping at an incline rather than flat on the back can prevent swelling around the eyes that blurs vision.
- Eat your leafy greens – Lutein-rich foods like spinach, kale, and collard greens help eyes stay moisturized.
- Consider computer glasses – If screen work is causing persistent blurry vision, invest in a pair of computer glasses to reduce strain.
- See an eye doctor – If blurry vision persists despite home treatment, make an appointment with your optometrist. They can prescribe glasses or check for other issues.
How To Prevent Blurry Vision During Pregnancy?
Making a few lifestyle changes can help minimize blurry vision during pregnancy:
- Maintain stable blood sugar – To prevent hazy vision from blood sugar spikes and drops, eat small, frequent meals with a mix of proteins and complex carbs.
- Limit salty foods – A diet high in sodium can encourage fluid retention and swelling around the eyes. Avoid processed foods and salt-heavy meals.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes lubricated and reduce dry eye issues. Aim for 80-100 oz per day.
- Get adequate sleep – Fatigue stresses the visual system. Be sure to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Nap during the day if especially tired.
- Take screen breaks – Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce digital eye strain.
- Quit smoking – Smoking exacerbates dry eye problems and eye irritation. This is a good time to quit smoking if you haven’t already.
- Use sunglasses outdoors – Wrap-around sunglasses with a UV protection shield helps strained eyes from sunlight outdoors.
- Get routine eye exams – See your optometrist once each trimester to check for vision changes and address issues promptly.
Following these prevention tips should help minimize blurry episodes and keep your eyes as comfortable as possible while expecting. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if vision problems are severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Read More: Hypothyroidism Symptoms In Females: What Should Know!
Conclusion
Blurred vision is a nuisance but a common symptom during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Hormonal fluctuations, dry eyes, swelling, and fatigue are the main culprits. While annoying, pregnancy-induced blurry vision is temporary and has no cause for alarm.
Using artificial tears, taking frequent breaks, adjusting lighting, and eating a nutritious diet can help clear your vision. See an optometrist promptly if blurriness is severe or you experience other vision problems like spotty vision or vision loss. With some minor adjustments, you can tackle blurry vision without much interruption to your daily routine. The key is being proactive with at-home treatment and prevention.
FAQs
A: Yes, in most cases blurry vision caused by pregnancy hormones and fluid changes will resolve completely within the first few months postpartum. Vision should return to normal.
A: There is no evidence that blurry vision alone can directly harm your baby. But severe, sudden vision changes may signal an underlying problem like preeclampsia, which does require urgent treatment.
A: Blurry vision tends to be most prevalent during the first trimester when hormone levels are surging and bodily changes happen rapidly. However, it’s possible throughout pregnancy.
A: Yes, it’s very normal for pregnancy-related blurry vision to come and go sporadically. You may notice it most in the mornings or evenings. Fluctuating hormone levels and fluid retention cause vision to shift day to day.
A: You can continue wearing contact lenses if your eyes tolerate them well. However, switch to daily disposables if possible to reduce irritation. Glasses may feel more comfortable for some women dealing with blurriness. Check with your optometrist.
