Dry Eye is common during pregnancy, usually beginning toward the end of the first trimester. It can continue throughout the pregnancy and persist for a few months after delivery. During pregnancy, other subtle eye changes can cause irritation or difficulty wearing contact lenses.
A decline of the male androgen hormone during pregnancy is one cause of Dry Eye. Women who nurse may continue to experience Dry Eye symptoms because the hormone levels remain constant during delivery and nursing.
Pregnancy may disrupt normal function of the acinar cells in the lacrimal glands. It may also decrease corneal sensitivity, impacting the blink feedback loop.
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References
The eye and visual system in pregnancy, what to expect? An in-depth review
Khawla Abu Samra
Oman Journal of Ophthalmology
2013 May-Aug; 6(2): 87–91.
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