Pregnancy-Related Dry Eyes: Understanding Causes and Offering Tips
Pregnancy can bring about a variety of changes in a woman's body, and one of these changes might be dry eyes. This condition, caused primarily by hormonal changes, can lead to discomfort and affect vision.
Dry eyes during pregnancy are often a result of hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decrease in the male androgen hormone. This hormonal imbalance affects tear secretion, leading to dryness and blurry vision. Other factors such as increased screen time, contact lens usage, and environmental conditions can exacerbate the problem[1][2][3].
Common symptoms of dry eyes during pregnancy include persistent dryness and irritation, redness and eye fatigue, burning, itching, or stinging sensations, blurry or fluctuating vision, sensitivity to light, feeling like something is in the eye, and watery eyes or mucus discharge in some cases[2][3].
To alleviate these symptoms, it is recommended to maintain eye moisture and minimize irritation. Using lubricating (artificial) eye drops, after consulting a doctor, can help supplement the tear film and soothe dryness[1]. Limiting screen time and taking regular breaks can reduce eye strain[1][3]. Staying well-hydrated supports tear production and overall ocular health[1]. In cases where symptoms are severe, avoiding contact lens use or switching to glasses might be necessary[1][2]. Protecting eyes from wind, dry air, and pollutants with appropriate eyewear or humidifiers can also help[3][5].
In some cases, dry eyes during pregnancy might be a sign of other conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia-related eye issues[1]. If symptoms persist or worsen, especially with sudden vision changes, pregnant women should seek evaluation by an eye specialist[1]. Generally, dry eye in pregnancy improves post-delivery as hormone levels stabilize[1][3].
It is important to note that self-medication should be avoided during pregnancy[6]. Bacterial infections may worsen symptoms of dry eyes during pregnancy and may require antibiotic drops[7]. Oil gland production changes during pregnancy can block the production of lipids that lubricate the eye, causing dryness[8]. In such cases, hot compressions can temporarily open blocked oil glands to alleviate dryness[9].
Lastly, some women might experience an increase in tear production during pregnancy, which can lead to poor-quality tears and eye irritation[10]. If experiencing flashes or flickering during pregnancy, these symptoms could be an early indication of pre-eclampsia, a condition associated with high blood pressure[11]. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a gynaecologist[11].
In conclusion, managing dry eyes during pregnancy requires careful consideration and consultation with healthcare professionals. By understanding the causes and symptoms, and adopting appropriate remedies, pregnant women can maintain their eye health and vision during this transformative period.
References: [1] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Dry Eyes During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/dry-eyes-during-pregnancy/ [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Dry eyes during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/in-depth/dry-eyes-during-pregnancy/art-20045938 [3] National Eye Institute. (2021). Dry Eyes. Retrieved from https://nei.nih.gov/health/dryeye/dryeye [4] National Health Service. (2021). Dry eyes in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dry-eye/pregnancy/ [5] All About Vision. (2021). Dry Eyes and Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dry-eyes-pregnancy.htm [6] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). Medications and Eye Health. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/medications-and-eye-health [7] American Optometric Association. (2021). Dry Eye. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/diseases-and-conditions/dry-eye [8] American Optometric Association. (2021). Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/diseases-and-conditions/meibomian-gland-dysfunction [9] American Optometric Association. (2021). Heat Therapy for Dry Eye. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/diseases-and-conditions/dry-eye/heat-therapy-for-dry-eye [10] American Optometric Association. (2021). Excessive Tearing. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/diseases-and-conditions/excessive-tearing [11] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Pre-eclampsia. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/pre-eclampsia/
- Addressing hormonal changes during pregnancy, specifically a decrease in male androgen hormones, can lead to health and wellness issues such as dry eyes, which may affect mental health due to the discomfort and vision impairment it causes.
- Apart from pregnancy, parenting stage can also introduce new challenges to women's health, including menopause, which often results in dry eyes due to the changing levels of hormones.
- Maintaining good health and wellness, including the prevention and treatment of dry eyes during pregnancy and menopause, requires a focus on science and evidence-based practices to ensure proper care for the mother's overall health and the health of her child or future child.
