Can Dry Eye Affect My Vision?

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort and irritation. But can it also affect your vision? When your eyes do not produce enough tears or the quality of your tears is inadequate, it can lead to a host of issues, including blurred vision and sensitivity to light.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye occurs when your eyes are unable to produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly due to poor tear quality. Tears play a vital role in maintaining eye health by providing lubrication, reducing the risk of infection, and keeping your vision clear. When the tear film is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of symptoms that not only make your eyes feel uncomfortable but also impact your ability to see clearly.

How Dry Eye Affects Vision

• Blurred Vision: One of the most noticeable effects of dry eye is blurred vision. When your eyes lack adequate moisture, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to inconsistent vision quality. Blurred vision may come and go, depending on the severity of your condition, but it can make daily tasks like reading, working on a computer, or driving more difficult.

• Light Sensitivity: People with dry eye often experience increased sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia. This sensitivity can make it hard to focus and cause discomfort, especially in bright environments or while using digital screens for extended periods.

• Difficulty with Night Vision: Night driving or seeing clearly in low-light conditions can become challenging for individuals with dry eye. The inadequate tear film affects how light is refracted on the surface of the eye, leading to glare, halos, or difficulty focusing in the dark.

• Fluctuating Vision: Those with dry eye often report vision that seems to fluctuate throughout the day. You may notice periods of clearer vision followed by times when your sight becomes blurry or unfocused. This fluctuation is due to changes in tear production and evaporation rates throughout the day.

Causes and Risk Factors of Dry Eye

Several factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome, including:
 

• Age: As we age, tear production tends to decrease, making dry eye more common in older adults.

• Medications: Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can reduce tear production.

• Environmental factors: Windy, dry, or smoky environments can accelerate tear evaporation, making symptoms worse.

• Prolonged screen use: Spending long hours staring at screens can reduce your blink rate, leading to faster tear evaporation.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

If you’re experiencing vision problems due to dry eye, there are treatments available to help restore comfort and clarity:
 

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tear solutions can provide temporary relief by supplementing your natural tear film and keeping your eyes moist.

• Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter solutions aren’t enough, your eye doctor may prescribe medications like anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation and promote tear production.

• Punctal Plugs: In more severe cases, punctal plugs may be inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly, allowing them to stay on the eye longer and keep it moist.

• Lifestyle Changes: Simple adjustments like taking regular breaks during screen use, using a humidifier, or wearing wraparound sunglasses in windy environments can help manage dry eye symptoms.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

If you suspect that dry eye is affecting your vision, it’s essential to see an eye care professional. Regular eye exams allow your optometrist to diagnose dry eye early and recommend appropriate treatments to protect your vision. At Barry Huse OD & Associates, we specialize in personalized care to manage dry eye and keep your eyes healthy.
 

Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation with Barry Huse OD & Associates Today

Dry eye is not just a nuisance—it can have a real impact on your vision. Blurred vision, light sensitivity, and fluctuating sight are all common symptoms of dry eye that can interfere with your daily life. Fortunately, effective treatments are available to help manage the condition and protect your vision. 

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of dry eye, schedule an eye exam with Barry Huse OD & Associates to get the relief you need. Visit our office in Tacoma, Washington, or call (253) 473-1050 to book an appointment today.