Contact lenses during pregnancy: what you need to know

During pregnancy, some women find that their eyes become drier, more sensitive or that their lenses are less comfortable to wear than before. If you still want a practical everyday solution, it is also possible to order your daily contact lenses online from Krys, whilst staying attentive to your visual comfort and how your sensations evolve.

In the majority of cases, the small changes noticed in the eyes during pregnancy are temporary. They may be linked to hormonal fluctuations, water retention or more pronounced dry eyes. The most important thing is to listen to your body, not to force things if your lenses become uncomfortable, and to seek medical advice if your vision changes noticeably or if unusual symptoms appear.

Key points

During pregnancy, contact lenses can become less comfortable due to dry eyes or temporary changes to the cornea.

Mild discomfort can sometimes be managed simply by reducing wearing time or alternating with glasses.

In cases of very blurry vision, double vision, flashes of light, new floaters or significant discomfort, it is best to seek medical advice promptly.

Contents

Why lenses can be less comfortable during pregnancy

What visual changes you might notice

How to manage wearing lenses more comfortably day to day

Visual close-up

When to seek medical advice

FAQ

Why lenses can be less comfortable during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body naturally changes under the influence of hormones, blood circulation and water retention. These changes can also affect the eyes. Some expectant mothers may then experience greater eye dryness, a mild irritation or a sensation that their lenses are less pleasant to wear than before.

This does not necessarily mean you need to stop wearing lenses immediately. It is, however, useful to understand that pregnancy can temporarily alter the eye's usual balance. Lenses that were previously perfectly comfortable may therefore feel more noticeable, drier or simply less comfortable as the day goes on.

The cornea can also be transiently affected during pregnancy, particularly as a result of water retention. This is one of the reasons why some pregnant women have the impression that their prescription "is no longer quite the same" or that their lenses no longer behave as they used to.

What visual changes you might notice

During pregnancy, you may notice slightly blurrier vision at times, eye fatigue that sets in more quickly, or greater sensitivity towards the end of the day. Some women also find they blink more often or feel the need to remove their lenses earlier than usual.

In many cases, these changes remain moderate and temporary. They do not always require a new prescription. Indeed, this is often why it is preferable not to rush into changing your glasses or lenses as soon as a mild discomfort appears, especially if it remains variable and fleeting.

That said, certain signs should be taken seriously: very blurry vision, double vision, the sudden appearance of new floaters or lines in the visual field, flashes of light or a more marked loss of vision. These symptoms warrant prompt medical advice, as they should not be dismissed during pregnancy.

How to manage wearing lenses more comfortably day to day

When lenses become less comfortable, a few simple adjustments can help. The first reflex is often to reduce wearing time slightly, especially on days when your eyes feel drier or more tired. There is nothing unusual about alternating with glasses during this period if it improves comfort.

Screens can also aggravate the discomfort. When working at a computer or spending time on your phone, you tend to blink less often. As a result, your eyes dry out more quickly, which can make lenses more bothersome. Taking regular breaks and relaxing your gaze can therefore already help to improve the situation.

If your lenses become genuinely unpleasant, there is no point in persevering. During pregnancy, the goal is not to "keep going at all costs", but to prioritise comfort and simplicity. Some women choose to wear their glasses more during a few weeks, then return to their lenses later without any particular problem.

When to seek medical advice

Mild discomfort or a more pronounced sensation of dryness can be part of the changes experienced during pregnancy. However, it is important to seek advice if your vision becomes very blurry, if it changes suddenly, if you see double, if you notice flashes of light or the sudden appearance of floaters.

These signs do not necessarily mean there is a serious problem, but they deserve to be assessed promptly. During pregnancy, an unusual visual change should never be ignored. It is better to ask once too often than to miss an important signal.

Similarly, if wearing lenses becomes genuinely difficult, painful or very irritating, it is best to stop wearing them until you have received appropriate advice. Temporarily returning to glasses can be a simple, reassuring and comfortable solution.

The right reflex

If your lenses become less comfortable during pregnancy, do not feel guilty — it is not uncommon. The most important thing is to prioritise your comfort, switch to glasses if needed, and seek medical advice if your vision changes noticeably or if the discomfort becomes significant.

FAQ