Eye drops for pregnant women with dry eyes, which one is safe?

Pregnant women are prone to complain of dry eyes due to increased immune reactions due to pregnancy hormones. The period of pregnancy also makes you more prone to dehydration, one of the signs is a dry and crusty sensation in the eyes. So, is it safe to use eye drops for pregnant women?

Are eye drops safe for pregnant women?

Dry eyes should not be taken lightly. This disorder can easily make the eyes more irritated and eventually redden.

On the other hand, it is natural to question the safety of medicines during pregnancy. However, it is not only oral drugs (taking) that you must ensure safety, as well as topical drugs. Topical medications are medicines that are given outside the body, for example in the eyes, skin, nose, or ears. Well, eye drops are a class of topical drugs whose safety is often questionable for pregnant women.

Eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline HCL are commonly available over the counter and are used by many people to treat dry eyes. Tetrahydrozoline HCL works to affect the central nervous system to constrict blood vessels in the eye, thereby reducing red eye symptoms. Unfortunately, these eye drops should not be used carelessly by pregnant women.

Reporting from the Drugs page, the FDA as the POM agency in the United States has not confirmed the safety of using eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline HCL for pregnant women. This appeal was also supported by an ophthalmologist from the University of San Francisco, Andrew G. Iwachof. According to him, a small dose of the active ingredient in eye drops can be absorbed into the body which is feared to affect the fetus in the womb. Especially if the eye drops are used in large quantities and for a prolonged period.

It is important to check safety before using eye drops

Actually there is no real scientific evidence that can prove that eye drops can harm the fetus. However, it still doesn't hurt to always ask a doctor before using eye drops for pregnant women. Doctors will usually provide safer options for treating your eye problem.

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