Pregnancy can cause temporary changes in vision and eye health

Pregnancy can cause temporary changes in vision due to significant hormonal shifts. According to the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), these changes often manifest as increased nearsightedness, typically ranging from -0.25 to -0.75 diopters. This occurs because hormonal changes can lead to water retention in the cornea, thickening it and altering refractive power.

Ophthalmologist Thomas Neß from the University Medical Center Freiburg advises against rushing to get new glasses, as visual acuity usually normalizes six to twelve weeks after childbirth. For breastfeeding women, the stabilization period may be longer; experts suggest waiting until at least three months after weaning before checking for permanent changes.

Other common issues include increased sensitivity to contact lenses due to an unstable tear film and higher rates of dry, burning, or red eyes. Studies from the DOG indicate that up to 70 percent of pregnant women experience these symptoms. To manage contact lens discomfort, experts recommend shortening wear time or switching to daily lenses to minimize deposits.