Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurry Vision?

May, 2024 | Dry Eye Syndrome

Has your vision ever become blurry suddenly, making it difficult to see clearly? It could be a sign of dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. This can lead to redness, irritation, light sensitivity, gritty eyes, and yes, even blurry vision. In this blog post, we’ll explore how dry eyes can cause blurry vision and ways to find relief.  

Dry eyes & blurry vision 

The tear film plays a crucial role in maintaining clear vision. It is made up of three layers: an oily layer that prevents evaporation, a watery layer that nourishes and protects the eye, and a mucus layer that helps spread the tears evenly over the surface of the eye. When any of these layers are compromised due to dry eyes, it can result in blurry vision. Not having enough moisture on the surface of your eye can cause light to scatter instead of focusing directly on the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision. 

How to find relief from dry eye 

There are several ways to find relief from dry eyes and prevent blurry vision. One option is to use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable throughout the day. You can also try using a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air. Blinking regularly while working on digital devices can help distribute tears evenly over your eyes. Additionally, practicing good eyelid hygiene by gently washing your eyelids with warm water can help reduce inflammation and improve tear production. 

When to see a specialist 

In more severe cases of dry eye when eye drops and at-home remedies are no longer effective, you may need to see a specialist. Your eye doctor may recommend prescription medications to reduce inflammation, punctal plugs to prevent tear drainage and to keep your tears on the surface of your eyes longer, or in-office procedures such as light therapy to improve tear production and quality.  

At Walter Eye Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of eye conditions including dry eye. During an eye exam, our dry eye specialists in Tinley Park, Illinois will evaluate your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to fit your unique needs. 

Don’t ignore your symptoms! 

It’s important not to ignore dry eye symptoms as they can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Chronic dry eye can increase your risk for infections, corneal damage, and even vision loss in severe cases. If you’re experiencing blurry vision along with other symptoms of dry eye syndrome such as redness or irritation, don’t wait until it gets worse before seeking help. Contact Walter Eye Clinic today for an exam and dry eye treatment in Tinley Park that will help you see clearly again.  

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