Visionary

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also brings significant changes throughout the body, including the eyes. While many pregnancy-related vision changes are temporary and resolve after delivery, others may signal more serious health conditions that require prompt medical attention.¹

Why employers should pay attention to pregnancy-related vision changes

Supporting employees throughout pregnancy means looking beyond routine prenatal care. Vision is closely connected to overall health, and understanding common pregnancy-related eye changes can help employers reinforce preventive care, encourage employees to seek timely medical attention when needed and support healthier outcomes for both mother and baby.

"Pregnancy is an important reminder that vision is closely connected to overall health. While many eye changes during pregnancy are temporary, employers can help support maternal health by encouraging expectant mothers to report any sudden or significant vision changes and keep up with recommended preventive care."

— Dr. Neighbors, EyeMed Medical Director

Common vision changes during pregnancy

Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can temporarily affect the eyes. Some of the most common vision-related symptoms include:¹

• Dry eyes
• Blurry vision
• Contact lens discomfort
• Temporary changes in vision or eyeglass prescription

Dry eye is one of the most common eye-related symptoms during pregnancy. Many expectant mothers find relief with preservative-free artificial tears, regular breaks from digital screens and staying well hydrated. While many pregnancy-related vision changes are temporary, others may signal more serious health conditions that require prompt medical attention.¹

Because vision can fluctuate during pregnancy, eye care professionals may recommend waiting until after pregnancy before making permanent prescription changes unless they are medically necessary.

When vision changes require immediate attention

Although most pregnancy-related vision changes are temporary, some symptoms should never be ignored.

Sudden blurred vision, flashes of light, blind spots, double vision or temporary vision loss can be warning signs of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that can affect multiple organs, including the eyes.² Vision changes may be among the earliest signs that additional medical evaluation is needed.³

Women experiencing sudden or significant vision changes during pregnancy should contact their obstetric provider or seek immediate medical evaluation.⁴

The role of preventive eye care

Eye care remains an important part of overall health before, during and after pregnancy. Individuals with diabetes, gestational diabetes or high blood pressure may experience vision changes during pregnancy, making prompt evaluation and ongoing communication with their healthcare providers especially important.²

Even for healthy pregnancies, discussing new or persistent vision changes with an eye care professional can help determine whether symptoms are temporary or require additional evaluation.

How employers can support maternal health

Employers have an opportunity to reinforce the importance of preventive care throughout pregnancy. Simple steps can make a meaningful difference, including:

• Encouraging employees to stay current on recommended healthcare appointments
• Promoting awareness that sudden or significant vision changes during pregnancy should be evaluated promptly
• Reminding employees about available vision benefits and access to in-network eye care providers
• Supporting a workplace culture that encourages employees to prioritize preventive care without delaying treatment for concerning symptoms

By helping employees understand the connection between vision and overall health, employers can reinforce the value of preventive care while supporting healthier outcomes for both mother and baby.

Supporting healthier outcomes

Most vision changes during pregnancy are resolved after delivery. However, understanding which symptoms are expected (and which may indicate a more serious condition) can help employees seek care sooner.

Vision benefits can help make preventive eye care more accessible throughout every stage of life, including pregnancy. By encouraging employees to use their vision benefits and seek care for new or concerning symptoms, employers can reinforce a culture of prevention while supporting healthier outcomes for both mother and baby.

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1. “Physiological and pathological changes to the eye and vision during and after pregnancy”; Clinical and Experimental Optometry; tandfonline.com; October 7, 2024.
2. "Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy"; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; acog.org; Last reviewed April 2025.
3. "What's the Concern About High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy? An Ob-Gyn Explains."; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; acog.org; Last reviewed March 2026.
4. "7 Things to Know About Preeclampsia"; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; acog.org; Last reviewed June 2026.