Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes- physically, mentally, and emotionally. There is a lot that a woman’s body is going through and sometimes you start experiencing things that one has never had before. So, if you are expecting and facing certain problems that you have never experienced before then know that they are completely normal. Having dry eyes is very common in pregnant women. This issue can be very stressful for some and you need to know all about it.
Dry Eyes During Pregnancy
Dry eyes are a condition where your eyes are not able to produce enough tears. This does not mean that you will only have a problem when you are crying but this will irritate your eyes all the time. Our eyes need to be moist all the time and that is done by our tear glands. You can’t manually wet your eyes all the time. Our tears are a mixture of water, oil, and mucus so any inability of eyes to produce enough moisture may cause you some difficulty.
During pregnancy, you have a lot of hormones surging up and down and this may cause dry eyes. These hormonal changes are very natural during pregnancy but they may affect a few things too. So, if you suddenly experience eye irritation during pregnancy, then don’t panic you can easily handle it. You can’t always blame your hormones for causing you dry eyes but other factors may result in dry eyes during pregnancy.
Causes of Dry Eyes During Pregnancy
Here are some common causes of dry eyes.
1. Dehydration
Dehydration can cause a lot of problems during pregnancy and one of them is dry eyes. So, if you have been feeling dehydrated a lot during your pregnancy chances are that you may have this problem.
2. Not Taking Enough Nutrients
During pregnancy, you must take a good diet that is rich in all the nutrients because a deficiency in some of these may result in dry eyes. You need to take foods that are rich in Vitamin-A and Omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Wearing Contact Lenses
Sometimes wearing contact lenses during your pregnancy may also result in dry eyes. They will leave your eyes irritated, burning, and tearing up. Discontinuing their use can be the only way to get rid of this problem.
4. Being Outside
If you are out of your house for longer periods and if it is windy or extremely cold then you may realize you have dry eyes as soon as you are back home. Sometimes extreme heat may also be a reason behind it. These were a few reasons that may cause dry eyes if hormones are not the issue behind it. Below you will find the symptoms that you may see:
Symptoms Of Dry Eyes During Pregnancy
You don’t need to have these symptoms in both eyes, sometimes you may have these in one eye only. Here are the symptoms that are common with dry eyes.
Dry Eyes During Pregnancy- Your eyes will water to make up for the dryness in your eyes
- Redness in your eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
- Inability to keep them open
- Burning
- Excess mucus
- Your eyelids stick together when you wake up
- Itchiness
- Poor or blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sun
- tiredness
- fatigue
Treatment For Dry Eyes
Dry eyes pregnancy treatments are varied and involve various methods and techniques, it is advised that you should consult with your doctor before going ahead with any of these treatments.
One thing to keep in mind is that if the reason behind dry eyes is not so serious then the symptoms will go away with the help of a few home remedies. You will be able to get better in only a few days. On the other hand, if the problem is something serious like you experience extreme pain, color variation, or blurred vision then you need to take proper treatment for it. Consult your doctor on every step as you don’t have to take a risk at such a time.
You will experience eye problems throughout your pregnancy but having dry eyes is common in the third trimester. You can do the following remedies to soothe dry eyes during pregnancy
- Wash your Eyes with Water
You need to make sure that your eyes are cleaned properly to get rid of any mucus or irritation. To wash your eyes, you can make a sterile solution by boiling some water, letting it cool down for some time. Soak a cotton pad into it. Use it to clean your eyelids of any mucus or stickiness that you feel especially right after you wake up.
If the problem of dry eyes is due to a lack of certain nutrients then you should start taking a balanced diet that is rich in all nutrients. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, also don’t forget to drink enough water to make sure you are not dehydrated. You can also take medicines to make up for the lack of nutrients that are prescribed by your doctor.
You can massage your eyes if you have dry eyes or not. This is a very calming activity that will help you to relax and release any stress. Wash your hands before massaging then close your eyes and using your fingertips gently massage your eyelids in a circular motion.
- Wear Sunglasses When Going Out
So, if the weather is behind you getting dry eyes then remember to always step out of the house with sunglasses. This will protect your eyes from heat, wind, or any pollution. Also, wear eyeglasses when you are working on a screen or avoid staring at them for long.
This was everything you need to know- the different causes and treatments for having dry eyes during pregnancy. Make sure to follow these quick home remedies and precautions. You can also generally follow these treatments because prevention is always better than cure.
Also read- Second Pregnancy Vs. First Pregnancy
