Pregnancy can cause vision changes, including seeing stars. While some vision changes are mild, others may be linked to serious medical conditions and require immediate treatment.
Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can cause a myriad of physical changes, including changes to your eyes and your vision.
In some cases, pregnancy
If you’re seeing stars or experiencing other vision changes during pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to talk with a doctor. While most vision changes are mild and resolve after pregnancy, more significant vision disturbances might be attributed to underlying medical complications.
This article reviews potential causes of vision changes during pregnancy and when to seek medical help.
Your eyes can undergo temporary changes during pregnancy, which can cause a range of vision disturbances. The following sections examine possible pregnancy-related causes of seeing stars in your vision.
Fluid retention
Fluid retention can affect multiple areas of your body during pregnancy, including your eyes. This can cause your eyes to change in shape or structure, leading to refractive changes. As a result, you might notice gradual blurry vision.
The good news is this vision problem will usually resolve on its own. If you still experience blurry vision within 6 to 9 months after pregnancy, you might consider seeing an eye doctor.
Dry eye
If you’re experiencing gradual blurry vision in addition to eye discomfort, you might have dry eye. This common eye condition can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, but can also resolve after delivery.
It’s important to treat dry eye to decrease the risk of long-term complications, such as eye tissue damage and permanent vision changes.
Other symptoms of dry eye
- stinging
- light sensitivity
- burning
- grittiness
- scratchiness
- redness
Diabetes or gestational diabetes
Vision changes can also occur in people who have diabetes or gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
When left untreated, these can lead to diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms can include flashes, blurriness, and dark spots, among other visual disturbances.
If you have either diabetes or gestational diabetes, a doctor will recommend getting eye checkups at least once a trimester to help monitor retinal changes that could lead to vision loss.
What’s more, if you already have a history of diabetic retinopathy, you may be at an
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is another possible cause of vision changes during pregnancy. Any suspected case of this condition requires immediate medical attention.
Preeclampsia is life threatening to both you and your baby. It’s most likely to develop during the second half of your pregnancy. Some people may still be at risk of developing preeclampsia up to 6 weeks post-delivery.
Vision changes are among the most serious signs of preeclampsia during pregnancy because these can indicate swelling in your brain or problems in your central nervous system.
Visual symptoms of preeclampsia may include:
- seeing spots or stars
- seeing flashing lights
- blurry vision
- sensitivity to light
Graves’ disease
Another potential cause of seeing stars during pregnancy is Graves’ disease. Also known as autoimmune hyperthyroidism, this overactive thyroid disease
Graves’ disease is considered the most common form of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. It generally develops in the first trimester and then goes into remission during the latter two trimesters.
When this condition causes eye problems, it is known as Graves’ eye disease. Aside from visual disturbances, Graves’ eye disease
Prescription anti-thyroid drugs may be needed to help stabilize thyroid hormone levels, as well as your symptoms.
Minor blurriness and other symptoms of dry eye are possible during pregnancy but are not necessarily signs of an emergency.
Dry eye symptoms that persist after delivery should be assessed by an eye doctor. Chronic dry eye can progress to permanent damage if it’s left untreated. However, once diagnosed, dry eye is treatable, including during pregnancy.
Some treatment and management options for dry eye
- artificial tears, which are available over the counter and
are considered safe to use during pregnancy - prescription eye drops for serious cases
- drinking plenty of water
- getting adequate sleep
- reducing screen time and taking regular breaks from computer work
As a rule of thumb, any stars or other visual changes during pregnancy that come on suddenly, are severe, or are accompanied by other worrisome symptoms should prompt a visit to a doctor. This is especially the case with possible diabetic retinopathy or preeclampsia.
If you have either diabetes or gestational diabetes, vision changes during pregnancy
Also, you should see a doctor right away if you experience the following symptoms of diabetic retinopathy progression:
- blurriness that is progressing in severity
- flashes
- dark floaters
- double vision
- significant fluctuations in vision
Preeclampsia is a life threatening condition that can cause flashing stars, aura, and other symptoms such as:
- severe headaches
- significant fluid retention, such as swelling in your face or hands
- shortness of breath
- abdominal pain
- acute anxiety
- sudden and/or severe lower back pain
- nausea and vomiting
- sudden weight gain (more than 3 to 5 pounds per week)
Seeing stars, blurriness, and other vision changes are common during pregnancy. In mild cases that are not related to underlying health conditions, you can expect these symptoms to resolve after delivery.
However, some vision changes can indicate something more serious. This is especially true if you have any preexisting medical conditions or experience sudden or severe changes to your vision accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.
While it’s important to discuss any unusual or recurring vision changes with a doctor during pregnancy, any suspected case of diabetic retinopathy or preeclampsia requires immediate medical treatment.