Medically reviewed by Dr. Shira Kresch, OD, MS, FAAO — optometrist specializing in keratoconus, scleral lens fitting, and ocular surface disease
Pregnancy can temporarily affect keratoconus — research reports that hormonal changes may soften and steepen the cornea, and some women notice vision shifts or lens-fit changes during pregnancy. The reassuring part: these changes are often temporary, your eyes can be safely monitored throughout, and a clear plan handles the rest. Here’s what to expect, trimester by topic.
Why pregnancy affects the cornea
Pregnancy hormones — particularly the rise in estrogen and relaxin — influence collagen throughout the body, and the cornea is a collagen structure. Studies have reported corneal steepening and thickness changes during pregnancy, and case reports describe keratoconus progressing in some pregnant patients, with changes often settling after delivery and breastfeeding. Fluid retention can also subtly change corneal shape, the same reason some women find regular contacts fit differently while pregnant.
What this means if you have keratoconus
Plan for monitoring, not worry. Corneal mapping is completely safe during pregnancy — it’s just photography of the eye’s surface — so we can track your corneas through pregnancy and postpartum and tell the difference between a temporary hormonal shift and true progression. If you’re planning a pregnancy and your keratoconus has been actively progressing, that’s worth a conversation beforehand, because of the next point.
Cross-linking is typically deferred during pregnancy
Corneal cross-linking is generally postponed until after pregnancy and nursing — both as a standard precaution and because the hormonal environment can affect corneal behavior. For patients with progressing keratoconus who hope to become pregnant, completing cross-linking before conceiving is often the cleanest sequencing; it’s a decision we make together with your corneal surgeon. Progression noticed mid-pregnancy is monitored closely and treated after delivery.
Wearing scleral lenses while pregnant
Scleral lenses remain safe to wear throughout pregnancy. Two practical notes: pregnancy dry eye is common (hormones again), so the lens reservoir often becomes your best friend — and if your vision through the lenses shifts or comfort changes as the months pass, the fit may need a temporary tweak. Don’t tough it out; small adjustments are routine, and we can re-map your eyes any time. Postpartum, things commonly drift back.
Can pregnancy make keratoconus worse?
Research reports that pregnancy hormones can temporarily soften and steepen the cornea, and some cases of keratoconus progression during pregnancy have been documented. Changes often settle after delivery, and safe corneal mapping throughout pregnancy tells the difference.
Can I have corneal cross-linking while pregnant?
Cross-linking is typically deferred until after pregnancy and nursing as a standard precaution. Patients with progressing keratoconus who are planning a pregnancy often complete cross-linking beforehand.
Is it safe to wear scleral lenses during pregnancy?
Yes. Scleral lenses remain safe throughout pregnancy and often help with pregnancy-related dry eye. If vision or comfort shifts as the cornea changes, a temporary fit adjustment is routine.
Pregnant, planning, or postpartum with keratoconus? Let’s build your monitoring plan — Dr. Shira Kresch cares for keratoconus patients across Metro Detroit at our Southfield office, and your first specialty consultation is free. Book online or call (248) 545-2800.
