Dry eyes can be more than just an inconvenience, they have the potential to impact your vision and quality of life. If you’ve been wondering if blurry vision is linked to dry eyes, the answer is yes, it absolutely can be. But why does it happen, and how can you treat it?
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also known as having dry eyes, occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears isn’t good enough to keep your eyes lubricated. Tears are essential—not only do they keep your eyes moist, but they also serve as a protective shield, washing away debris and maintaining clear, comfortable vision.
When this tear production or tear quality is compromised, you may experience symptoms like itching, discomfort, and, yes, blurry vision.
Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:
- Persistent dryness or grittiness
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Redness in the whites of the eyes
- Watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
Of all these symptoms, blurry vision can be especially troubling because it can make daily tasks like driving difficult, or even dangerous.
How Does Dry Eye Syndrome Cause Blurry Vision?
Dry eyes and blurry vision are closely connected because of how tears influence the eye’s optical surface. The primary reasons for blurry vision are:
1. Disrupted Tear Film
Your tears are composed of three layers, oil, water, and mucus. These layers work together to create a smooth surface over the eye. This tear film is essential for focusing light properly. When the tear film becomes uneven or patchy due to dryness, light is scattered instead of being focused, resulting in blurry or fluctuating vision.
2. Damage to the Cornea
Severe or chronic dry eyes can lead to micro-abrasions or damage to the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. These tiny injuries can distort vision by affecting how light passes through the cornea.
3. Inflammation
Inflammation caused by dry eye syndrome can lead to swelling and irritation of the eye’s surface, further disrupting vision clarity. Persistent inflammation may also worsen symptoms over time if not addressed.
4. Overproduction of Tears
Interestingly, dry eyes may lead to excessive tearing as your body’s way of overcompensating for dryness. However, these reflex tears lack the oils and nutrients needed for proper lubrication, making them ineffective at relieving symptoms and maintaining clear vision.
Common Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Understanding the root cause of dry eyes is the first step in finding effective treatment. Below are some of the most common factors that contribute to dry eye syndrome:
1. Lifestyle Factors
Your environment may be causing or worsening your dry eye symptoms. Here are some common factors linked to dry eye symptoms.
- Prolonged screen time (reduces blinking)
- Exposure to dry or windy environments
- Air conditioning or heating
- Smoking or secondhand smoke
2. Aging
Dry eye syndrome becomes more common with age, as tear production naturally declines over time.
3. Medical Conditions & Medications
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders are associated with an increased risk of dry eyes. In addition, various medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics can reduce tear production as a side effect.
4. Wearing Contact Lenses
Long-term contact lens use can disrupt the natural tear film and exacerbate dryness.
5. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or while using contraceptives can impact tear production.
How to Treat Dry Eyes & Blurry Vision
Fortunately, dry eyes and the blurry vision they cause are treatable. A tailored approach to treatment can significantly improve your comfort and clarity. Here are some options:
1. Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter artificial tears provide temporary relief by replenishing the eye’s moisture. Choose preservative-free options if you use them frequently.
2. Prescription Medications
Your eye doctor may recommend prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Take regular breaks during screen time to reduce eye strain
- Increase the humidity in your home or workspace
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and UV rays
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
4. Warm Compresses
Using a warm compress on your eyes can help unclog blocked oil glands, improving the tear film’s stability.
5. Advanced Therapies
Cutting-edge treatments can be used to treat the underlying causes of dry eye like meibomian gland dysfunction. Some innovative clinical treatments for dry eye are:
- Intense pulsated light (IPL) treatments gently remove oils and debris from clogged oil glands in the eyelid.
- Radiofrequency (RF) treatments use radio waves to remove oils and debris, similar to IPL treatments.
- Meibomian gland expression also works to clear the meibomian glands but involves the glands being massaged to clear them.
When Should You See a Doctor?
While occasional dryness may not be a cause for concern, persistent symptoms—especially blurry vision—warrant medical attention to prevent long-term complications. Additionally, if your symptoms are accompanied by severe pain, sensitivity to light, or sudden vision loss, seek immediate care.
Get Back to Eye Health
Blurry vision caused by dry eyes can disrupt your life, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Seeking the right treatment can help restore your comfort and clarity. If you think you have dry eyes, you can take our dry eye quiz.
At Precision Eye Care, we offer a variety of advanced dry eye treatments. To get started on meeting your eye health needs, book an appointment today.
