Does Breastfeeding Affect Vision | National Breastfeeding Month

August is National Breastfeeding Month. We all know that breastfeeding is beneficial for your baby. We also know that pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause various changes in your body, but can breastfeeding change vision? The answer may surprise you. Keep reading the post below to learn how breastfeeding can affect vision and how to keep your eyes healthy. 

How can breastfeeding affect vision?

In some cases, breastfeeding moms may develop certain vision changes. The reason why changes to vision may occur are usually related to hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy and can continue while breastfeeding. Possible vision changes include:

Blurry vision: Some women develop blurry vision when pregnant or breastfeeding. This can occur due to increased fluid retention. The fluid that can give you swollen feet can also build up in other areas of the body, including behind the eyeball.

Refractory errors: Refractory errors may also occur postpartum in breastfeeding women. This also occurs due to fluid buildup that can affect the cornea and lens. Refractory errors may include problems with farsightedness or nearsightedness.

Puffy eyes and dark circles: Puffy eyes can occur for a few reasons in breastfeeding moms. Sometimes, changes in hormone levels that occur may lead to puffy eyelids. In addition, lack of sleep that may go hand in hand with having a baby may lead to puffiness and dark circles. 
​

Maintaining healthy eyes postpartum 

Maintaining good vision and healthy eyes postpartum are important for your overall wellbeing. So many changes occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing that it can be hard to know what is normal and what is not. Some minor vision changes are probably nothing to worry about, but changes in hormone levels can worsen existing eye problems, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most eye problems that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to hormonal changes and fluid retention usually resolve in the postpartum period. Still, there are a few things you can do to promote healthy vision during this time, such as:

Make time for yourself: It is easier said than done with a new baby to make time for yourself, but it is essential to make certain things a priority. Try to get enough sleep, exercise, and eat a well-balanced diet. These healthy lifestyle habits promote overall wellbeing, including eye health.

Take care of existing eye conditions: If you have an eye condition prior to pregnancy, it can become worse during pregnancy and during postpartum time. Even with all you have going on, do not neglect your eye health. Also, do not ignore serious eye symptoms, such as:

• Vision loss
• Seeing floaters
• Eye pain
• Headaches with eye pain

Have an eye exam: It is a good idea to have an eye exam a few months after giving birth. Hormone levels may regulate two to three months after having a baby. Also, the fluid buildup may decrease. Changes you had during pregnancy and early breastfeeding may have resolved. Of course, if you have significant changes to your vision, see an eye doctor sooner. 

Try to get enough sleep: Although it may seem impossible at times, try to get enough sleep. Getting adequate sleep is good for your health and your vision. Accept help if you can. Take a nap when the baby does. Leave household work for another time and get the rest you need. 

If you have any questions about vision changes during nursing, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.