Dry eye isn't just an irritating inconvenience; it can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can make it more difficult to perform everyday activities such as reading, driving, working on a computer, or spending time outdoors on windy days. But one of the most concerning questions for many people is: Can dry eyes cause vision changes?

 

What Causes Dry Eye?

Understanding dry eye begins with knowing its causes. The eyes need a constant layer of tears, consisting of water, fatty oils, and mucus, to maintain vision and comfort. Any imbalance in this tear system can lead to dry eyes. Aging, certain medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors can all contribute to this imbalance.

The most common cause of dry eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These glands produce the oily part of tears. If they're not working correctly, your tears may evaporate too quickly, causing dry eyes. Other causes can include inflammation, allergies, or even long-term contact lens use.

The Impact of Dry Eye on Your Vision

When your eye surface is not adequately lubricated, it can cause light to scatter when it enters your eye, leading to blurry vision. It's also common for people with dry eyes to experience sensitivity to light, a condition known as photophobia.

Dry eyes can also make your eyes overcompensate for the dryness by producing excessive tears, a condition known as reflex tearing. This can lead to watery eyes and, ironically, blurred vision too. Over time, if left untreated, severe dry eye can cause damage to the eye's surface, potentially leading to vision impairment.

 

When to See an Optometrist for Dry Eye Symptoms

It's essential to know when to see an optometrist if you're experiencing dry eye symptoms. If you have persistent dry eyes, redness, irritation, fatigue, or changes in vision, it's time to make an appointment.

While occasional dry eyes might not be a cause for concern, chronic dry eye symptoms can lead to more severe problems. Your optometrist can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment options.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

There are numerous treatment options available for dry eye, depending on the severity and root cause of your condition. Most treatments aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eyes to minimize dryness and related discomfort and maintain eye health.

Prescription eye drops for dry eyes often serve two functions: reducing inflammation and increasing tear production. Corticosteroid eye drops are typically used to reduce inflammation on the eye surface. Meanwhile, drugs known as cholinergics can help stimulate tear production.

Another promising therapy is intense pulsed light therapy. It's a procedure originally developed for dermatology purposes but has been found effective in treating dry eye, especially when linked to rosacea.

For those who wear contact lenses, dry eyes can be particularly challenging. Thankfully, specialty contact lenses have been developed specifically for people with dry eyes. These lenses are designed to retain moisture and reduce evaporation, providing a reservoir of fluid for the eye.

Scleral lenses are a type of gas-permeable contact lens that vaults over the cornea and rests on the white part of the eye, the sclera. They hold a layer of tear between the lens and the cornea, helping to alleviate dry eye symptoms.

 

Keeping Your Vision Clear and Comfortable 

Dry eyes can indeed cause vision changes. It's an uncomfortable condition, but with the right knowledge and care, you can manage its symptoms and maintain your vision clarity.

Whether it's through over-the-counter remedies, prescription eye drops, therapies, or specialty lenses, there are numerous ways to combat dry eye. The key is not to ignore the symptoms and to consult with an optometrist if you experience persistent discomfort or vision changes.

To learn more about dry eye and its impact on vision, visit Clarity Eyecare in Birmingham, Waterford, Sylvan Lake, South Lyon, Walled Lake, and Commerce Twp., Michigan. Call (248) 369-3300, (248) 698-2000, (248) 682-6448, (248) 437-3351, (248) 624-1707, or (248) 366-8600 to schedule an appointment today.