Contact Lenses During Pregnancy
How Pregnancy Changes Your Eyes and Vision
Your body retains more fluid when you are pregnant, and this includes the tissues in your eyes. The extra fluid can make your corneas slightly thicker and change their curvature. As a result, contact lenses that fit perfectly before pregnancy may feel tight, uncomfortable, or even move around more than usual.
These changes typically begin in the second trimester and may continue until a few weeks or months after delivery. Most women find their lens fit returns to normal once hormone levels stabilize postpartum.
Pregnancy hormones affect the oil and water layers of your tear film. You may produce fewer tears or tears that evaporate more quickly. This can lead to dry, gritty, or burning sensations, especially if you wear contact lenses.
- Estrogen and progesterone alter the composition of your tears
- Your tears may not coat lenses as well as they did before
- Dry eye symptoms often worsen as pregnancy progresses
- These changes can make full-day lens wear more challenging
Research shows that the cornea can become thicker and slightly steeper during pregnancy. These subtle shifts in shape affect how light enters your eye and how your contact lenses sit on the corneal surface. Even small changes can impact comfort and visual clarity.
We measure corneal thickness and curvature during comprehensive eye exams. If you notice new discomfort or vision problems with your lenses, these measurements help us determine whether pregnancy-related changes are the cause.
Pregnancy can affect the cornea in ways that are especially important if you have certain eye conditions or a history of corneal surgery.
- Pregnancy can worsen keratoconus due to changes in corneal biomechanics
- If you have keratoconus, schedule more frequent corneal topography and contact lens checks
- Avoid orthokeratology during pregnancy
- If you have had LASIK, PRK, or other corneal surgery, expect temporary refractive shifts and plan follow-up visits
Many pregnant women experience temporary shifts in their eyeglass or contact lens prescription. You might become slightly more nearsighted or notice that your astigmatism measurement changes. These fluctuations happen because of corneal shape changes and fluid retention in the lens inside your eye.
We typically recommend waiting until several weeks after delivery to update your prescription. Most vision changes reverse on their own once your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state, so a new prescription ordered during pregnancy may not be accurate long-term.
Contact Lens Discomfort and Problems During Pregnancy
Dry eye is one of the most common complaints among pregnant contact lens wearers. Your lenses may feel scratchy or like something is stuck under them. You might notice more redness at the end of the day or need to blink more often to keep your eyes moist.
- Lenses may feel dry within a few hours of insertion
- Indoor heating or air conditioning can worsen symptoms
- Screen time often makes dryness more noticeable
- Artificial tears designed for contact lens wearers can provide relief
Non-drug measures such as using a humidifier, warm compresses, and regular blink breaks can also help.
Vision that seems sharp one day and blurry the next can be frustrating. Prescription changes, tear film instability, and corneal swelling all contribute to these fluctuations. Your vision may also vary at different times of day, often worsening in the evening.
If blurriness persists or worsens, we recommend an eye exam to rule out other conditions. While most vision changes during pregnancy are temporary and harmless, sudden or severe changes should always be evaluated.
Swelling in your eyelids and changes in corneal shape can make inserting and removing contact lenses more difficult than before. Lenses may stick to your finger instead of your eye, or they may not center properly on your cornea. Some women also notice that their eyelids feel puffy or heavier.
Using rewetting drops before removal can help lenses move more freely. If you continue to struggle, daily disposable lenses eliminate the removal challenge at the end of the day since you simply discard them.
Pregnancy can make your eyes more sensitive to preservatives found in many contact lens solutions. You might develop redness, stinging, or allergic reactions to products you have used for years without problems. Your eyes are simply more reactive during this time.
- Preservative-free solutions are gentler on sensitive eyes
- Hydrogen peroxide-based systems neutralize completely and leave no preservatives
- Daily disposable lenses require no cleaning solutions at all
Hydrogen peroxide systems are safe only after complete neutralization. Never rinse a lens with peroxide just before insertion. Use only the supplied neutralizing case and wait the full neutralization time.
Most contact lens issues during pregnancy are uncomfortable but not dangerous. However, certain symptoms require urgent evaluation. Remove your lenses immediately and contact our office if you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, intense light sensitivity, seeing halos around lights, discharge that looks infected, new severe headache with visual symptoms, flashes of light, new floaters, or a curtain or shadow in your vision.
These signs could indicate a serious eye infection, corneal ulcer, or a pregnancy complication affecting your eyes. Conditions like preeclampsia can cause vision changes that need prompt medical attention. These warning signs can also occur in the first 6 weeks after delivery, so seek urgent care if they appear postpartum.
Safely Wearing Contact Lenses While Pregnant
Wearing contact lenses during pregnancy is generally safe when you follow proper hygiene and listen to your body. The key is to monitor how your eyes feel and adjust your routine as needed. Your comfort and eye health should guide decisions about lens wear.
We recommend scheduling an eye exam if you develop new symptoms or if your current lenses become uncomfortable. Our eye doctor can assess whether your lenses still fit properly and suggest modifications to keep you seeing clearly and feeling good. If you are new to contact lenses, consider postponing first-time wear or choose daily disposables for simplicity and safety.
Daily disposable lenses are often the best choice during pregnancy. You get a fresh, sterile lens each day without needing cleaning solutions. This reduces your risk of infection and eliminates exposure to preservatives that might irritate your eyes.
- Daily lenses minimize the buildup of deposits that worsen dryness
- Silicone hydrogel materials allow more oxygen to reach your cornea
- Lenses designed for dry eyes may improve comfort
- Extended-wear lenses are generally not recommended during pregnancy
- Avoid orthokeratology (overnight corneal reshaping) during pregnancy due to corneal changes and the risks of overnight lens wear
- If you wear scleral lenses, fill them only with preservative-free sterile saline from single-use vials
You may find that wearing your lenses for shorter periods helps reduce discomfort. Instead of wearing them from morning until bedtime, try removing them in the early evening. Giving your eyes a break allows your corneas to get more oxygen and your tear film to recover.
Many pregnant women keep a pair of glasses handy for evenings and weekends. This approach lets you wear contacts when you need them most while protecting your eye health during a time when your eyes are more vulnerable.
Most contact lens cleaning solutions are considered safe during pregnancy, but choosing preservative-free options reduces unnecessary chemical exposure. Hydrogen peroxide systems are an excellent choice because the neutralization process leaves no preservatives behind. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
Never use water of any kind, including tap, distilled, or homemade saline, on lenses or lens cases. Saline is not a disinfectant. Do not use saline to disinfect lenses or to rinse or store lens cases. Rinse and fill the case only with fresh disinfecting solution recommended for your lenses. Do not top off old solution. After inserting lenses, discard leftover solution and let the empty case air-dry face down with caps off.
- Do not wear contact lenses when showering, swimming, or in hot tubs
- Follow the full neutralization time when using hydrogen peroxide systems. Never put unneutralized peroxide in your eye
- Always rub and rinse lenses as directed, even with no-rub solutions
- Check solution and case expiration dates and replace your case at least every 1 to 3 months
In some situations, we may recommend taking a break from contact lenses until after delivery. Women with severe dry eye, significant prescription changes, or certain pregnancy complications may be more comfortable in glasses. If you have preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you need a baseline dilated eye exam early in pregnancy and closer follow-up. Isolated gestational diabetes rarely affects the retina during pregnancy, but continue medical follow-up with your obstetrician.
- Severe morning sickness can interfere with lens hygiene
- Extreme fatigue may make safe lens handling difficult
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia requires close eye monitoring
- Corneal swelling that causes persistent blur is better managed without lenses
Adjusting Your Contact Lens Routine During Pregnancy
If you currently wear monthly or biweekly lenses, transitioning to daily disposables can solve many pregnancy-related comfort issues. The convenience of tossing lenses at the end of each day eliminates cleaning steps when you might be exhausted. Fresh lenses also reduce the risk of deposits that irritate already sensitive eyes.
Talk with our eye doctor about whether your current prescription is available in daily disposable options. Most prescriptions, including those for astigmatism, now come in daily formats that work well throughout pregnancy. Do not reuse daily disposable lenses.
Lubricating drops can make contact lens wear much more comfortable during pregnancy. Preservative-free artificial tears are the safest choice because they do not contain chemicals that might irritate your eyes or affect your pregnancy. You can use these drops as often as needed throughout the day.
- Look for drops specifically labeled as safe for contact lens wearers
- Single-use vials ensure sterility and contain no preservatives
- Apply drops whenever your lenses start to feel dry or uncomfortable
- Keep drops in your purse, car, and desk for easy access
Remove contact lenses before using medicated or redness relief drops. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reinserting lenses unless the product is specifically labeled for use with contacts.
Pregnancy is not the time to cut corners with lens hygiene. Your immune system works differently when you are pregnant, which may make you more susceptible to eye infections. Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lenses, and replace your lens case every month.
Never sleep in lenses unless specifically prescribed for extended wear, and even then, consider removing them nightly during pregnancy. The risk of infection increases significantly when lenses are worn overnight.
- Never top off old solution. Use fresh solution every time you store lenses
- Rub and rinse lenses per manufacturer instructions before disinfection
- Let the empty lens case air-dry face down with caps off after each use
- Do not wear lenses in water environments, including showers, pools, lakes, or hot tubs
- If you are sick or have eye redness or discharge, stop contact lens wear and switch to glasses until evaluated
- If you use hand sanitizer before lens handling, let hands dry completely to avoid irritation
We may recommend seeing you more often during pregnancy if you wear contact lenses and experience vision changes or discomfort. Regular monitoring helps us catch problems early and adjust your lens routine as your pregnancy progresses. These visits also give us a chance to check for any eye changes related to pregnancy complications.
If you have preexisting diabetes, or if you develop high blood pressure or preeclampsia, eye exams become even more important. These conditions can affect the blood vessels in your retina and require careful monitoring.
Some women need to take a break from contact lenses for part or all of their pregnancy. If your eyes feel persistently uncomfortable despite trying different lenses and drops, switching to glasses may be the best solution. This is a temporary measure, and most women can return to contacts after delivery.
- Stop wearing lenses if you develop eye pain or redness that does not resolve quickly
- Take a break if your vision becomes too blurry to see safely
- Switch to glasses if lens insertion and removal become too difficult
- Listen to your body and prioritize comfort during this special time
After Your Baby Arrives
Most vision and contact lens fit changes resolve within six to twelve weeks after delivery. Your hormone levels begin to stabilize, fluid retention decreases, and your corneas gradually return to their pre-pregnancy shape and thickness. Some women notice improvement within just a few weeks. If you have keratoconus or a history of corneal surgery, schedule earlier follow-up since corneal changes can persist or progress.
If you are breastfeeding, hormonal fluctuations may continue longer, and some vision changes might persist until you wean. Every woman's timeline is different, so patience is important as your body adjusts to postpartum life.
We recommend waiting at least six to eight weeks after delivery before scheduling a comprehensive eye exam for a new contact lens prescription. This gives your eyes time to stabilize so we can provide an accurate prescription that will not change shortly after. If you are breastfeeding, waiting a bit longer may be wise.
However, if you experience vision problems or eye discomfort before this timeframe, do not hesitate to schedule an earlier appointment. Some issues need prompt attention regardless of timing.
You can usually start wearing your contact lenses again as soon as you feel ready after delivery. If you took a break during pregnancy, begin with short wearing times and gradually increase as your eyes adjust. Your pre-pregnancy lenses may fit well again, but some women need a new fitting if their eyes have changed.
- Start with a few hours per day and increase gradually
- Use lubricating drops if you still experience some dryness
- Watch for any signs of discomfort or vision changes
- Continue good hygiene practices, especially with a new baby in the house
- Avoid wearing lenses if you are likely to nap. New parents often fall asleep unexpectedly, which increases infection risk with lenses
- The red flag symptoms listed earlier also apply in the postpartum period. Seek care promptly if they occur
Many women return to their pre-pregnancy prescription once their eyes stabilize after delivery. However, some women find that their vision has changed permanently. This is more common in women who had significant vision fluctuations during pregnancy or who developed gestational diabetes.
A comprehensive eye exam several weeks postpartum will determine whether you need a new prescription. We will measure your vision, check your corneal shape, and assess your overall eye health to help ensure you get the most accurate and comfortable lenses possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally advise waiting until after delivery for a new contact lens fitting because your prescription and corneal shape are likely still changing. A fitting done during pregnancy may not be accurate once your hormones stabilize. However, if your current lenses are causing significant problems, we can fit you with temporary lenses to get you through your pregnancy more comfortably.
Most pregnancy-related vision changes are temporary and resolve within a few months of delivery. Your eyes typically return to their pre-pregnancy state once hormone levels normalize and fluid retention decreases. Permanent changes are uncommon but can occur, particularly if you developed gestational diabetes or experienced other complications that affected your eyes.
Standard contact lens cleaning solutions and preservative-free artificial tears are considered safe to use during pregnancy. There is minimal absorption of these products into your bloodstream. If you have concerns about specific ingredients, we can recommend the safest options and help you choose preservative-free alternatives.
Yes, we recommend removing your contact lenses before going into labor or before a planned cesarean section. You will be focused on delivery, not lens care, and you may be in the hospital for an extended period. Glasses are more practical during labor and the immediate postpartum period. Bring your glasses and either a small supply of daily disposables or your lens case and solutions, depending on what you wear.
Preeclampsia can cause significant vision symptoms such as blurriness, light sensitivity, or seeing spots, and requires urgent medical evaluation. Patients with preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes need a baseline dilated eye exam early in pregnancy and closer follow-up for diabetic retinopathy. Isolated gestational diabetes rarely causes retinal disease during pregnancy, but continue routine obstetric care and report any vision changes. We may recommend more frequent eye exams and might suggest wearing glasses instead of contacts to make it easier to examine your eyes thoroughly. Report any sudden vision changes to your obstetrician immediately.
Yes, wearing contact lenses while breastfeeding is safe. However, some women continue to experience dry eyes during breastfeeding due to ongoing hormonal changes. Using preservative-free lubricating drops can help. If your prescription continues to fluctuate while breastfeeding, consider a temporary supply or wait until your vision has been stable for several weeks before ordering a longer supply.
Getting Help for Contact Lenses During Pregnancy
If you experience discomfort, vision changes, or concerns about wearing contact lenses during your pregnancy, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment with our eye doctor to discuss your symptoms and explore solutions that keep you comfortable and seeing clearly throughout this exciting time.