How long after giving birth should I wait to update my glasses prescription?

You can wait up to 12 weeks postpartum before changing the prescription of your glasses. The hormones and the fluid in your body go back to normal within this time.

Can breastfeeding affect my vision?

Breastfeeding also leads to hormonal changes, which can prolong the vision problems or delay normal eyesight.

Are postpartum vision changes permanent?

Most vision changes are temporary, but you can reach out to an eye specialist to rule out other conditions.

Why Some Women Need Updated Glasses Prescription Postpartum

Your eyesight may not be the first thing you notice much about in the postpartum period. Your vision may be a bit blurry, or your glasses may just seem like a right fit anymore. How could your vision change after childbirth when it was perfectly fine before?

This is a common situation that many women experience in their postpartum due to the changes in their bodies. You can learn what to expect after childbirth related to your vision so that you can take proper care of your eyes.

How Can Pregnancy Affect Your Eyes?

Your body produces more fluids and blood during pregnancy, which is 30-50% more than the normal amount, all to support your growing baby. It can cause swelling in some of the parts of your body, including the eyes. So, it may affect your vision in the following ways.

The clear front layer of your eye may become slightly thicker, so your current glasses may not be useful anymore.
Hormonal changes may affect the working of your eye lens when there is light, leading to blurred vision in some cases.
You may find contacts less appealing due to dryness or swelling of the eyes.

These changes are only temporary, but they may remain for several months after childbirth.

Why Do Some Women Need Updated Prescriptions?

Your eyes may not return to how they were immediately after delivery, so getting a new prescription is ideal in the following cases.

Your vision is blurry at a distance or near.
You experience frequent headaches while wearing your current glasses.
Colours or details seem slightly off.
You notice strain while reading or using screens.

Statistics indicate that up to 20% of women may experience significant vision changes during and after pregnancy. However, most return to normal within a year.

Can Hormones Really Change Your Eyes?

Oestrogen and progesterone may affect your body in more ways than you realise, and it includes your eyes functioning as well.

The fluid retention due to these hormones may impact the cornea and lens of your eyes.
Your eye pressure and focus may change a bit due to their fluctuations.
Breastfeeding can also prolong these changes, as hormone levels change constantly.

Therefore, it is normal to have blurry vision weeks or months after giving birth.

When Should You Get an Eye Exam Postpartum?

You should schedule an eye exam if you experience the following signs.

Persistent blurry or fluctuating vision
Eye strain, headaches, or difficulty focusing
Double vision or sudden changes in sight
Your current glasses feel uncomfortable

Most eye specialists recommend waiting at least 6-12 weeks postpartum before changing your prescription. This time allows your hormones to return to their normal levels.

Can Vision Problems Signal Other Health Issues?

Vision changes are normal in most cases, but the following conditions require urgent medical care.

Postpartum preeclampsia – High blood pressure may affect your eyes after delivery.
Diabetes or gestational diabetes – Blood sugar levels can alter your vision temporarily.
Severe dry eye or eye infections – If you are breastfeeding and not drinking enough fluids.

Experiencing sudden vision loss, flashes, or severe headaches may indicate a severe problem, so seek medical help immediately.

What Can You Do to Support Your Eye Health?

You can take some steps to support your overall health during the recovery period.

Take breaks from screens by following the 20-20-20 rule, which means every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Eat nutrient-rich foods packed with vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3s to support eye health.
Rest when possible because a lack of sleep can make your eye strain feel worse.
Schedule an eye exam if you notice persistent changes.
Talk about your feelings with your partner and lean on them for emotional support to reduce stress.

Emotional & Lifestyle Considerations

Your new life with a baby can feel stressful, with the vision problems added to it. You may wonder how to do daily tasks or how to read if you do not see clearly. Please understand that these changes last for a few months, and your vision may return to normal. Ask for help from your partner or family during this time and allow yourself to rest and recover from childbirth.

What To Do Next: A Quick Checklist

Observe if your vision changes suddenly.
Schedule an eye exam after 6-12 weeks postpartum.
Notice any eye discomfort or headaches.
Make lifestyle adjustments and discuss the same with your partner.
Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated for eye health.

The postpartum period may feel challenging when you struggle to see clearly. The important thing is that it is temporary, and your vision may get clear as your hormones stabilise over time. Most women do not require an update of their prescription glasses, as their eyesight becomes normal. You can get a new prescription if you feel discomfort and your vision problems are affecting your daily life.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Why Some Women Need Updated Glasses Prescription Postpartum?

How long after giving birth should I wait to update my glasses prescription?
You can wait up to 12 weeks postpartum before changing the prescription of your glasses. The hormones and the fluid in your body go back to normal within this time.
Can breastfeeding affect my vision?
Breastfeeding also leads to hormonal changes, which can prolong the vision problems or delay normal eyesight.
Are postpartum vision changes permanent?
Most vision changes are temporary, but you can reach out to an eye specialist to rule out other conditions.