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Last updated: September 26, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Blurred Vision in Pregnancy

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gestational Diabetes: Blurred vision is a common symptom of gestational diabetes due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can cause the lens in the eye to swell, leading to changes in vision.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Preeclampsia: High blood pressure associated with preeclampsia can cause changes in vision, including blurred vision, due to the effect on the blood vessels in the retina.
  • Dry Eye Syndrome: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to dry eye syndrome, causing blurred vision, irritation, and discomfort.
  • Refractive Changes: Pregnancy can cause temporary changes in the shape of the cornea, leading to refractive errors and blurred vision.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pituitary Apoplexy: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition where a pituitary tumor suddenly hemorrhages or becomes infarcted, causing severe headache, visual disturbances, and potentially leading to pituitary failure.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: Although less common in pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy can cause blurred vision and is a significant concern due to the potential for permanent vision loss.
  • Migraines with Aura: Migraines can cause transient blurred vision and other visual disturbances, but in pregnancy, they can also be a sign of more serious conditions like preeclampsia.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Optic Neuritis: An inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause blurred vision, pain, and loss of color vision, which, although rare, can occur in pregnancy.
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid under the retina, causing blurred vision, which is rare but can be associated with pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
  • Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease: A rare autoimmune condition that can cause blurred vision, among other symptoms, and is associated with pregnancy in some cases.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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