Pregnant woman looking through a window with tear-shaped raindrops.

Pregnancy and Your Eyes: How Hormones Affect Tear Production

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the surprising connection between pregnancy, tear osmolarity, and dry eye symptoms. Learn how hormonal changes impact your eyes and what you can do about it."

Pregnancy brings about many changes throughout a woman's body, and the eyes are no exception. While some changes are physiological, like a decrease in intraocular pressure or increased sensitivity to light, others can exacerbate existing conditions or lead to new discomforts.

One common complaint during pregnancy is dry eye. This occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in estrogen and androgen levels, are thought to play a significant role in this.

This article will delve into a recent study examining the effects of pregnancy on tear osmolarity, a key indicator of dry eye. By understanding how pregnancy affects tear production, we can explore ways to manage dry eye symptoms and maintain optimal eye health during this special time.

What is Tear Osmolarity and Why Does It Matter During Pregnancy?

Pregnant woman looking through a window with tear-shaped raindrops.

Tear osmolarity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts and other substances in your tears. When tear osmolarity is high, it indicates that there isn't enough water in the tears, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye's surface. Think of it like a swimming pool: if there are too many chemicals and not enough water, it's going to irritate your skin.

The study mentioned earlier involved 60 women aged 20 to 40. Thirty women in their first trimester of pregnancy comprised the study group, while the other 30, who were not pregnant and had no other health conditions besides refractive errors, formed the control group. Researchers measured tear osmolarity and performed Schirmer tests (which measure tear production) on all participants. The pregnant women were tested again in their last trimester.

Here's what the study found:

First Trimester: The average tear osmolarity in the pregnant women was 304.9 mOsm/L.
Last Trimester: This decreased to 300.2 mOsm/L.
Control Group: The average tear osmolarity for the non-pregnant women was 306.3 mOsm/L.
Schirmer Test Results: Schirmer test results also showed a decrease in tear production in the pregnant group during their last trimester compared to the control group.

These results suggest that pregnancy does indeed impact tear osmolarity and tear production. Interestingly, tear osmolarity decreased as pregnancy progressed. While seemingly counterintuitive, this decrease might be a protective mechanism to maintain the ocular surface health.

What Does This Mean for You? Practical Tips for Managing Dry Eyes During Pregnancy

While the study suggests a potential protective mechanism, many pregnant women still experience dry eye symptoms. If you're one of them, don't worry! There are several things you can do to find relief:

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.clae.2018.10.007, Alternate LINK

Title: The Effect Of Pregnancy On Tear Osmolarity

Subject: Optometry

Journal: Contact Lens and Anterior Eye

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Mustafa Duran, İnci Güngör

Published: 2019-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is tear osmolarity, and why is it relevant during pregnancy?

Tear osmolarity is the measure of the concentration of dissolved substances in tears. During pregnancy, fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen and androgen levels, can affect the composition of tears, potentially leading to dry eye symptoms. High tear osmolarity indicates a higher concentration of these substances, suggesting insufficient water in the tears, which can irritate the eye's surface.

Are hormonal changes during pregnancy the reason for eye changes?

Yes, hormonal changes, specifically those related to estrogen and androgen, are believed to be the primary drivers behind the alterations in tear production and tear osmolarity during pregnancy. These hormonal shifts can influence the function of the tear glands, leading to dry eye symptoms such as irritation and redness. The study mentioned in the text highlights the impact of these hormonal changes throughout the different trimesters.

What were the specific findings of the study on tear osmolarity and tear production?

The study followed 30 pregnant women and 30 non-pregnant women for comparison. The pregnant women were assessed in their first and last trimesters. The findings revealed that tear osmolarity decreased slightly as pregnancy advanced. This could be a compensatory mechanism. Additionally, the Schirmer test, which measures tear production, indicated a decrease in tear production in the pregnant group during the last trimester. This highlights how the eyes are affected during pregnancy.

What are the common symptoms of dry eye during pregnancy, and how is tear osmolarity related?

Dry eye during pregnancy can manifest as irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling in the eyes. Changes in tear osmolarity can be a key indicator of this condition, as a higher tear osmolarity often suggests a lower water content in the tears. This can then cause inflammation and discomfort on the eye's surface. Therefore, understanding tear osmolarity can help manage symptoms and maintain ocular health during this time.

What can someone do to manage dry eye symptoms while pregnant?

If you're experiencing dry eyes during pregnancy, there are several strategies you can try. You can use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes and keep them hydrated. Avoid environments that exacerbate dryness, such as those with low humidity or exposure to wind. If symptoms persist, consult with an eye care professional who can recommend specific treatments tailored to your needs, ensuring optimal eye health throughout your pregnancy.