Postpartum Dry Eyes More Common Than You Think: What New Moms Need To Know

What causes dryness of eyes in the postpartum period? Is it a serious problem? Here's what new mothers need to know.

Postpartum eye health: The postpartum period can be challenging for many mothers, especially first-time moms, who may not know what to expect, and what kind of changes would occur in the body. Besides severe hormonal shifts -- with the body preparing to shrink back in size, and return to normalcy -- many women experience, what is known as, dry eyes. This problem, apparently, is more common than you may think, and in this article, we discuss all about dealing with it and managing it for better eye health and proper vision.

Postpartum Dry Eye

Doctors say that after giving birth, many new moms expect and even experience changes in sleep, mood, and energy. "But, some are surprised by changes in their eyes. One common issue is dry eyes. If your eyes feel itchy, watery, gritty, or if there is a burning sensation after childbirth, you are not alone. This is known as postpartum dry eye, and it is more common than you might think," says Dr Rohan N Dedhia MBBS, MS (ophthalmology), FVRS retina, senior consulting ophthalmologist retina, cataract and refractive surgeon at Ojas Maxivision Eye Hospitals (Bandra & Kandivali).

Why Does It Happen?

According to Dr Dedhia, hormone levels change a lot after the birth of a child, and these shifts can affect the glands that make tears in the eyes, leading to dry eyes. "Breastfeeding may also lower estrogen levels, which can add to the dryness. Lack of sleep, stress, and screen time (scrolling during night feedings) can make things worse," he cautions.

Common Symptoms

Watch out for the following things:

• Eyes feeling dry, scratchy, or irritated;
• Redness in eyes, or tired-looking eyes;
• Blurry vision that comes and goes;
• Excessive tearing (watery eyes can also be a sign of dryness);
• Sensitivity to light

What You Can Do To Manage The Problem

1. Use artificial tears: Over-the-counter eye drops can bring quick relief. Look for ones without preservatives.
2. Take screen breaks: If you are using your phone or watching shows while feeding or rocking your baby, follow the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes.
3. Stay hydrated: Consume plenty of water to help the body stay energetic and healthy, including the eyes.
4. Rest when you can: Fatigue can aggravate eye dryness. Take a nap or relax when your baby sleeps.
5. Avoid fans or dry air exposure: Use a humidifier if your home is dry, and avoid sitting in front of fans or vents.

When Should A New Mom See A Doctor

Dr Dedhia warns that if someone's symptoms are painful and they are getting worse, or not going away with home care, they must reach out to a doctor at the earliest.

"In some cases, prescription eye drops or other treatments may be needed. Postpartum dry eyes are common and usually temporary. As your hormones balance out, your eyes will likely feel better, too," he concludes.