Dry eye syndrome is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. For some, It’s mild, temporary irritation, but for others, it can become a chronic issue leading to more serious eye health problems. Dry eyes alone are unlikely to cause blindness, but if left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to complications that may damage the cornea and impact vision. Persistent dryness can cause inflammation, corneal ulcers, and scarring, increasing the risk of vision loss.
Whether you experience occasional discomfort or chronic symptoms, understanding the causes and treatments of dry eye syndrome is important for maintaining long-term eye health.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or tears of poor quality, leading to inadequate lubrication on the eye’s surface. This can result in discomfort, redness, and irritation, making everyday activities like reading, driving, or working on a computer increasingly difficult.
Common symptoms of dry eye include:
- Stinging, burning, or itching sensations in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- A gritty feeling in the eyes, as if something is stuck
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
While these symptoms may seem minor at first, chronic dry eye can lead to more severe eye health issues if not managed properly.
How Dry Eyes Can Lead to Vision Loss
Although dry eyes themselves don’t directly cause blindness, they can create an environment where serious complications arise. Here are a few ways untreated dry eye syndrome can affect your vision long-term.
Corneal Damage
The cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, plays an important role in focusing light onto the retina to create clear vision. Tears are necessary for keeping the cornea moist, smooth, and free of irregularities. When the eyes lack moisture, this can lead to inflammation and damage to the cornea’s delicate tissues.
Prolonged dryness can cause scarring or irregularities on the corneal surface, distorting vision. In severe cases, untreated damage could significantly impair your ability to see.
Eye Infections
Tears aren’t just a source of moisture; they also protect your eyes by flushing out debris and providing a natural barrier against bacteria and viruses. When the eye’s surface lacks adequate lubrication, it becomes more susceptible to infections.
If an infection occurs and is left untreated, it could result in deep damage to the cornea, including corneal ulcers. Severe infections can permanently scar the eye and potentially cause vision loss.
Vision Impairments
Persistent dryness affects how the cornea refracts light, leading to blurry or fluctuating vision. It can also cause other visual disturbances like increased light sensitivity or double vision. While these issues may not lead directly to blindness, they can make it extremely difficult to perform daily tasks and severely impact quality of life.
Underlying Health Conditions
Dry eyes can sometimes signal underlying conditions that carry their own risks of vision loss. For example, Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease, affects tear and saliva production and can cause severe eye damage if untreated. Diagnosing and managing these conditions early can significantly reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.
Contact Lens Complications
Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by restricting oxygen flow to the cornea. Prolonged use without proper lubrication increases the risk of corneal ulcers or infections, which can have lasting effects on vision.
Preventing & Treating Dry Eyes
Fortunately, many preventative and treatment options are available to help alleviate dry eye symptoms and prevent further complications.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain your overall hydration, directly influencing tear production.
- Use artificial tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops provide much-needed moisture and help prevent dryness, especially in dry climates or when using screens for long periods.
- Blink often: Staring at digital devices can reduce your blinking rate, leading to dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly when working on screens.
- Take screen breaks: To rest your eyes, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind and UV rays by wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
- Maintain eyelid hygiene: Use warm compresses or eyelid wipes to clean your eyelids regularly.
Professional Dry Eye Treatment
If lifestyle changes and self-care treatment haven’t helped to alleviate symptoms it may be time to seek professional help. Here are a few options:
OptiLight by Lumenis
OptiLight by Lumenis is a light-based, non-invasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye. OptiLight uses precise pulses of light to reduce the inflammation, improve tear break-up time, and increase meibomian gland functionality.
BlephEx
BlephEx is an in-office procedure that removes debris, bacteria, and biofilm from your eyelid margins. This treatment addresses inflammation at its source, helping to reduce redness, irritation, and discomfort.
Prescribed & Over-the-Counter Eye Drops
Prescription medications and preservative-free lubricating drops can be used to help keep your eyes healthy and hydrated. At Insights Optical, we use the latest therapies, including advanced options like Miebo and Vevye, for effective relief.
Protect Your Vision with Insights Optical
Don’t let dry eye syndrome compromise your vision and quality of life. Schedule a consultation with Insights Optical Today to protect your eye health and enjoy lasting comfort.
