Pregnancy brings about countless changes in your body, including changes to your eyes and vision. If you’re experiencing burning, itching, or a gritty sensation in your eyes, it could be dry eye. Dry eye is a common (and often unexpected) symptom during pregnancy. 

Learn why dry eyes can happen during pregnancy and how you can find relief with dry eye treatment in Keene.

Causes of dry eyes during pregnancy 

Your body is working hard to support a growing baby, and that means hormonal shifts are happening around the clock. These changes can affect your eyes in a few ways: 

1. Hormonal changes 

Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout pregnancy, and these hormonal fluctuations can disrupt tear production. You may produce fewer tears or tears with a different composition, causing dryness and irritation. 

2. Fluid retention 

Just like your feet and hands might swell, your eyes can also retain fluid. This fluid may alter the shape of the cornea slightly and make contact lenses less comfortable or exacerbate dry eye symptoms. 

3. Changes in meibomian gland function 

The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oily layer of your tears. If these glands aren’t functioning properly (which can happen during pregnancy), your tears may evaporate too quickly, resulting in dryness. 

4. Wearing contact lenses 

If you wear contact lenses, you might notice increased discomfort or feel like your lenses are constantly dry during pregnancy because hormonal changes can reduce tear production and alter the composition of your tears. This leads to less lubrication between your eye and the lens, making contacts feel drier and more irritating than usual.  

Symptoms of pregnancy dry eyes

Some common signs of pregnancy-related dry eye include: 

• Burning, stinging, or itching eyes 
• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes 
• Redness 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Blurred or fluctuating vision 
• Discomfort when wearing contacts 

How to treat dry eyes during pregnancy 

The good news is that pregnancy-related dry eyes are usually temporary, and there are safe ways to ease the discomfort: 

• Use preservative-free artificial tears – Lubricating eye drops can soothe dryness without added irritants. Be sure to check with your doctor before using any new products. 
• Apply warm compresses – A warm cloth over your eyes can help improve oil flow from your eyelids and reduce dryness. 
• Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water supports overall eye moisture. 
• Take breaks from screens – Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 
• Talk to your eye doctor – They can recommend pregnancy-safe eye drops for dry eyes and other treatments or adjust your contact lenses if needed. 

When will pregnancy dry eye go away?  

For many people, dry eye symptoms improve after giving birth as hormone levels return to normal. However, some may continue to experience dry eyes while breastfeeding. It’s important to keep up with your eye care routine and stay in touch with your eye doctor during and after pregnancy. 

Let us help you find relief 

If you’re pregnant and dealing with uncomfortable dry eyes, don’t wait to find relief. Our dry eye specialists in Keene, New Hampshire, can recommend safe, effective options to keep your eyes comfortable and your vision clear. Schedule an appointment today to stay on top of your eye health throughout your pregnancy.