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You probably expect pregnancy to bring a glow to your skin or changes to your appetite, but dry, uncomfortable eyes? That often catches people off guard. Yet for many expectant parents, this is a very real part of the journey. Suddenly, your eyes may feel gritty, tired, or unusually sensitive to light. Some days, it feels like no amount of blinking can fix the dryness.



This happens because pregnancy is a full-body transformation. Every organ, every cell, is adjusting to support new life. As a result, your eyes may not stay as moist as before, leading to irritation or blurred vision. The silver lining is that dry eyes during pregnancy are temporary and manageable. Once you know what’s behind the discomfort, you can take simple steps to ease it!





What Are Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes happen when your eyes do not make enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Normally, tears are a mix of water, mucus, and oils that keep your eyes lubricated and your vision clear. During pregnancy, this balance can change, which is why you might notice that dry, scratchy feeling.



Women tend to experience this more than men because hormones affect tear glands throughout different stages of life, like during menstruation, menopause, and yes, pregnancy. It can be frustrating, especially when you are already dealing with other pregnancy symptoms. But the positive news is that it is usually temporary and there are ways to manage it.





Why Does Pregnancy Trigger Dry Eyes?

Here's why dry eyes are common during this time:

• Hormonal fluctuations: Rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone reduce tear production from early pregnancy, making eyes harder to keep moist.
  
  
• Fluid retention changes: Extra fluid in your body can change the makeup of your tears, so they do not coat your eyes as well as they usually do.
  
  
• Meibomian gland dysfunction: Pregnancy hormones can affect the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of tears. When this layer is thinner, tears evaporate faster. A 2022 study found pregnant women can lose more meibomian gland function compared to non-pregnant women.
  
  
• Androgen-hormone imbalance: Testosterone usually helps keep your eyes from drying out. During pregnancy, it rises by about 70 per cent. But another hormone, oestradiol, can interfere with the cells that make tears. This may reduce overall tear output.
  
  
• Dehydration from nausea and morning sickness: Vomiting and nausea can lead to dehydration, thinning your tears and making dryness worse.
  
  
• Progression with gestational age: Dry eyes often get worse as pregnancy progresses. It peaks in the third trimester and usually improves around 6 weeks after delivery.
  
  
  
  
  
  

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eyes During Pregnancy?Spotting dry eyes early can help you manage them before they start disrupting your day. These are the most common signs to watch for:

• A gritty or burning sensation, as if sand is in your eyes.
  
  
• Redness or soreness around the eyelids.
  
  
• Watery eyes, which seem odd but occur as your body overcompensates.
  
  
• Increased blinking or a feeling of tiredness in the eyes.
  
  
• Sensitivity to light or blurred vision, especially at night.
  
  
• Sticky eyelids that feel glued shut upon waking.
  
  
• Stringy mucus or dried discharge in the corners.
  
  

Risk Factors That Can Worsen Dry Eyes During Pregnancy

Certain habits and conditions can make dry eyes more likely during pregnancy. Women in general face higher odds because lower baseline androgen levels make eyes more sensitive.



Key factors include:

• Wearing contact lenses: As the cornea thickens or loses sensitivity later in pregnancy, lenses can become uncomfortable or intolerable.
  
  
• Environmental exposures: Indoor heat, fans, cold winds, or bright sunlight can dry out eyes faster.
  
  
• Prolonged screen use: Long hours at computers or phones strain the eyes and reduce blinking, increasing dryness.
  
  
• Dietary gaps: Low intake of vitamin A-rich foods or omega-3 fatty acids can affect eye health.
  
  
• Skin conditions: Rosacea, eczema, or other issues may worsen with hormonal changes and affect the eyelids.
  
  
• Pre-existing health issues: Autoimmune diseases or diabetes can raise the chances of ocular surface problems.
  
  

Home Remedies For Dry Eyes During Pregnancy

You can often ease dry eyes with simple changes that fit naturally into your day:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If nausea strikes, try to sip extra to support tear production.
  
  
• Use a humidifier or houseplants to add moisture to indoor air and prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
  
  
• Wear sunglasses whenever you go outside to shield your eyes from wind, sun, and dust.
  
  
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule for screens. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
  
  
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and prenatal vitamins to boost nutrients like vitamin A.
  
  

For direct relief, try these soothing techniques:

• Gently massage your closed eyelids in circular motions to stimulate glands and help tears flow.
  
  
• Clean your eyes daily with cooled, boiled water on a cotton pad, wiping from the inner to outer corners.
  
  
• Try a light face mist of sterile water mixed with pure rose water for quick refreshment.
  
  
• Apply warm compresses on closed eyes for a few minutes to loosen oils in the meibomian glands.
  
  
• Take omega-3 supplements if approved by your doctor, as they help reduce inflammation and improve tear quality.
  
  

Also, avoid irritants like certain eye creams or mascaras.





Treatment Options for Dry Eyes During Pregnancy

If home remedies are not enough, professional treatments can give targeted relief without affecting your pregnancy. Your doctor or eye specialist will check for underlying causes and suggest options that are safe for you. Available choices include:

• Prescription artificial tears or anti-inflammatory drops to increase moisture and comfort.
  
  
• Removable tear plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to keep tears on the eye surface longer.
  
  
• Steroid creams or drops for eyelids to calm inflammation in certain cases.
  
  
• Moisture goggles are worn overnight, often combined with ointments for lasting lubrication.
  
  
• Antibiotics with anti-inflammatory effects, though their use depends on safety during pregnancy.
  
  
• For chronic dryness, punctum plugs offer a simple and reversible way to slow tear drainage.
  
  

Surgery is rare and usually only considered for severe dryness that does not improve with other treatments. This might include sealing ducts or partial eyelid closure.



Dry eyes are a common and usually temporary issue during pregnancy. But if symptoms persist or become severe, certain medical options are safe and effective during pregnancy.



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 Your Eyes Feel Dry During Pregnancy and How to Get Relief

Can dry eyes during pregnancy affect my vision long-term?

No, the changes are temporary. Your vision usually returns to normal once hormone levels stabilise after delivery.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter eye drops while pregnant?

It is best to consult a doctor before using any eye drops while pregnant, as some medicated drops may be unsafe.