Last Updated: February 2026 | Reviewed by Dr. Davinder Sidhu, OD · British Columbia, Canada
Yes, most Systane eye drops are safe during pregnancy. They work only on the eye's surface with minimal systemic absorption. The key is choosing preservative-free formulas and using a simple technique called punctal occlusion to minimize any absorption into your system.
Last month, a first-time mom called our clinic in a panic. She'd been using Visine daily for years and just discovered she was 8 weeks pregnant. Here's what we told her: the Visine needs to stop immediately (it contains vasoconstrictors that absorb systemically), but there's a safe alternative that'll keep your eyes comfortable for the next seven months.
The trick isn't if you can use drops, but which ones, and how to use them to ensure zero risk. Let's walk through exactly why dry eyes happen during pregnancy and give you the definitive, worry-free checklist.
Why Do Pregnant Women Get Dry Eyes?
Pregnancy hormones reduce tear film stability by up to 40%, according to a 2019 study in The Ocular Surface. Your eyes aren't immune to the hormonal changes happening everywhere else. Here's exactly what's going on:
- Fluid Dynamics Gone Wrong: Your body is retaining massive amounts of fluid, but the delicate tear glands often get the memo wrong. This leads to a decrease in the high-quality, aqueous (watery) tears needed for protection.
- Lipid Layer Breakdown: Hormonal shifts mess with the lipid layer (the outer oil film) of your tears. When that oil film breaks down, your tears evaporate in a flash, leaving your eyes feeling raw and constantly exposed.
- Contact Lens Intolerance: Many women find their soft lenses suddenly feel like sandpaper. This isn't your imagination. It's the altered shape and fluid dynamics of your cornea changing how the lens fits.
This is precisely why lubricant eye drops (artificial tears) like Systane are your first line of defense. They simply supplement the moisture and stability your body temporarily lost.
Are Preservative-Free Eye Drops Safer During Pregnancy?
Yes. Preservative-free drops are the safest choice during pregnancy because they eliminate all unnecessary chemical exposure. Most over-the-counter Systane drops are safe because they work only on the surface of the eye, with minimal systemic absorption. But there's a vital distinction:
| Factor | Preserved Drops (The Risk) | Preservative-Free Drops (The Safe Bet) |
|---|---|---|
| Preservative Use | Contain trace preservatives (like POLYQUAD™) to kill bacteria in the bottle. | Contain NONE. Use sterile, single-dose vials or specialized multi-dose bottles. |
| Long-Term Impact | Preservatives can accumulate, causing cellular stress and irritation on an already sensitive ocular surface. | Zero cumulative exposure. Gentlest option available. |
| Pregnancy Safety | Generally low-risk, but introduces an unnecessary chemical variable. | Highest Recommendation. Eliminates the preservative risk entirely. |
| Health Canada Status | OTC approved, safe for occasional use. | OTC approved, safe for frequent daily use. |
The Bottom Line: For pregnancy, the best strategy is to eliminate all unnecessary chemicals. That makes Systane Complete Preservative-Free the unequivocal first choice. The UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) classifies preservative-free lubricants as low-risk during pregnancy.
Which Eye Drops Should I Avoid While Pregnant?
While lubricant drops are typically safe, some products need to be avoided entirely, or cleared by your doctor first. The research on eye drops during pregnancy is limited since most clinical trials exclude pregnant women for ethical reasons. But here's what we know from decades of clinical use:
Avoid These:
- "Get the Red Out" Drops: Visine, Clear Eyes, and similar products use vasoconstrictors (like Naphazoline) to shrink blood vessels. These are drugs that DO have systemic absorption. Do not use them. They only mask a symptom and are never a solution during pregnancy.
- Allergy or Steroid Drops: Any drop containing antihistamines, decongestants, or steroids must be cleared by your doctor. Their systemic effect is much higher and less studied in pregnancy.
- Prescription Eye Drops: Stop immediately and consult your OB/GYN and eye doctor. Many have absorption risks that aren't worth taking.
Safe Practices:
- Consult Your Team: Before you start any new eye drop, confirm its use with your OB/GYN or midwife. They're the final authority on all pregnancy-related medication. Here in Canada, Health Canada classifies lubricants as OTC products, but we still recommend patients check with their OB first.
- Always Go Preservative-Free: Stick to the Systane Complete Preservative-Free Eye Drops. It's the gentlest formula for eyes that are already more sensitive.
- Practice the 'Seal' Trick (Punctal Occlusion): After applying the drop, gently press your finger to the tear duct (the inner corner of your eye, near your nose) for a full minute. This minimizes the tiny amount of fluid that might otherwise drain into your system. It's the same technique used for glaucoma patients.
- Know When to Call Your Doctor: If your symptoms include significant pain, sudden vision changes, severe light sensitivity, or discharge, stop using drops and call your doctor immediately. This could signal a more serious underlying issue.
Will Dry Eyes Continue After Pregnancy?
For many women, yes, at least temporarily. The demands of a newborn (chronic exhaustion, hormonal fluctuations, and staring at screens during late-night feeds) often mean dry eye symptoms linger long after delivery.
A 2021 review in BMC Ophthalmology found that postpartum dry eye can persist for 3 to 6 months as hormone levels stabilize. Systane Complete Preservative-Free remains a great solution here. Its gentle, comprehensive formula is well-suited for eyes strained by new motherhood.
Using that punctal occlusion trick also helps ensure the drops provide maximum, long-lasting relief when sleep is scarce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are my existing prescription eye drops safe to continue using?
Stop immediately. Prescription drops must be reassessed for safety by your OB/GYN and eye doctor, as many have systemic absorption risks that aren't worth taking during pregnancy. Don't assume. Ask.
Q: Why do my contact lenses suddenly feel uncomfortable?
Hormonal changes affect the shape and fluid content of your cornea, changing the way your lenses fit. Switch to glasses temporarily and use preservative-free lubricant drops until hormone levels stabilize post-pregnancy. Your prescription may even shift slightly, another reason to wait before ordering new contacts.
Q: Is Systane Hydration Preservative-Free also safe?
Yes. Systane Hydration PF is another excellent choice, often recommended for its superior water retention due to its Hyaluronate content. Both Hydration PF and Complete PF work well. Patients tend to do well on either.
Q: Can I use the drops more often if I need to?
Because you're using a preservative-free lubricant, you can generally use them as often as needed to maintain comfort without worrying about chemical build-up. Most pregnant patients use them 4 to 6 times daily.
Q: Are non-Systane preservative-free drops also safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Other preservative-free options like Hyabak, Hylo, and Thealoz Duo are also suitable choices during pregnancy. The key principle is the same: preservative-free lubricants with punctal occlusion. For help choosing between Systane formulas specifically, see our Systane comparison guide.
Related: How to Properly Apply Eye Drops for Maximum Effectiveness | Which Systane Is Best for Dry Eyes?
Find Relief with MyPEAR.ca
If you're dealing with that gritty, burning feeling right now, Systane Complete Preservative-Free is the formula we recommend for pregnant patients.
- Shop Systane Complete Preservative-Free Eye Drops
- Shop Systane Complete Twin Pack (better value)
- Browse All Preservative-Free Options
Get 15% off your first order. Fast Canadian shipping, free returns.
About the Reviewer
Dr. Davinder Sidhu is an optometrist based in British Columbia with a focus on dry eye management and preservative-free solutions. Learn more at TheGenuwineOD.com or follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
