a pregnant woman holding her belly and rubbing the bridge of her nose

Is It Normal to Have Dry Eyes During Pregnancy?

Nov 1, 2025 | Dry Eye Syndrome

Pregnancy is full of changes, and that includes shifts in eye health. Hormonal changes can cause your eyes to feel dry, itchy, or irritated. For some women, this can disrupt daily routines or make it difficult to wear contact lenses. 

At True Focus Eye Care, we offer dry eye treatment in Port Richey to help relieve these symptoms and restore comfort. In this blog, we’ll cover what causes pregnancy dry eyes and how to find relief.  

What causes pregnancy dry eyes? 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can reduce tear production and change tear composition, resulting in dry, gritty, or constantly irritated eyes. You may notice that contact lenses don’t feel comfortable anymore or that your vision isn’t as clear as it used to be. It can be frustrating, especially when dry eyes start interfering with work, hobbies, or even just relaxing at the end of the day. 

Dry eye symptoms to watch out for 

Some common signs that pregnancy is affecting your eyes include: 

  • Persistent dryness or irritation 
  • Grittiness, like something is in your eye 
  • Burning or stinging sensations 
  • Blurry vision while wearing contact lenses (even while wearing an up-to-date prescription) 

If any of these symptoms are disrupting your day-to-day life, a comprehensive eye exam can help identify the issue and the best treatment option. Our experienced optometrists in Port Richey can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs, keeping your eyes comfortable and your vision clear. 

Managing dry eye during pregnancy 

Fortunately, there are ways to make your eyes feel better, even during the busiest days of pregnancy: 

  • Use preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating drops recommended by your doctor 
  • Take breaks from screens whenever possible to reduce eye fatigue 
  • Keep your home environment comfortable with a humidifier 
  • Adjust or temporarily switch contact lenses if they are causing irritation 
  • Schedule a contact lens exam to ensure your prescription is up to date and fits your current needs 

If you experience persistent discomfort, we can provide targeted treatment options to address the underlying causes of dry eye. Our optometrist can recommend safe, effective options that work during pregnancy and help you feel like yourself again. 

Enjoy comfortable, clear vision every day 

Pregnancy is challenging enough without dry, irritated eyes adding to the stress. With regular comprehensive eye exams, proper contact lens care, and the right dry eye treatment, your eyes can feel comfortable again. That means less distraction, less irritation, and more time to focus on the things that really matter—from work and family to just taking some time to relax.  

Call our office or schedule your appointment online today to find relief from dry eyes while pregnant.  

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