Pregnancy and eye health

Common, usually harmless changes

Hormones and fluid retention can alter the shape of the cornea slightly, making existing glasses feel weak or causing dryness. Many changes reverse after birth or breastfeeding, so clinicians often advise delaying new prescriptions until vision stabilises unless you are struggling.

• Dry or gritty eyes
• Mild blur or fluctuating focus
• Contact lens discomfort
• Broken blood vessels on the eye surface from straining or coughing

Gestational diabetes and the eyes

If you develop gestational diabetes, you are at higher risk of diabetes-related eye disease over time. Attend routine diabetic eye screening as advised after pregnancy, keep glucose well controlled, and tell your maternity team about any vision symptoms.

When to seek urgent eye care

Some symptoms are never normal in pregnancy and need same-day assessment.

• Sudden vision loss or a curtain over vision
• New flashes, floaters or a shadow in peripheral vision
• Severe eye pain, halos and headache with nausea — especially late in pregnancy
• New double vision or drooping eyelid

Medicines and eye drops in pregnancy

Tell any prescriber that you are pregnant. Many lubricating drops are safe, but glaucoma drops and some antibiotics need specialist advice. Do not stop prescribed eye treatment without talking to your eye clinic.