Dry eye syndrome can cause a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to deal with. However, there is treatment available to help improve your symptoms and halt the condition.
Keep reading to learn more about dry eye syndrome, including whether or not this eye condition can cause blurry vision!
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye Syndrome, also known as dry eyes, is a common eye condition that happens when your eyes don’t have enough moisture or lubrication. Typically, it occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears or when the tears aren’t of good quality.
This can lead to discomfort and irritation, making your eyes feel red, burn, itch, or feel like there’s sand in them. Dry eye syndrome can be caused by different factors, like getting older, taking certain medicines, having certain health conditions, or being exposed to certain environments.
It’s important to understand and manage this condition to keep your eyes feeling their best.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your daily life. Here are some of the most common symptoms of dry eye:
Dryness
Your eyes may feel dry, gritty, or like there’s something in them. This sensation can be persistent and bothersome.
Redness
Your eyes may appear red or bloodshot, indicating irritation and inflammation.
Burning or Stinging
You might experience a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes, which can be quite uncomfortable.
Itching
Your eyes may feel itchy, prompting you to rub them frequently. However, rubbing can exacerbate the irritation.
Watery Eyes
Paradoxically, your eyes may produce excessive tears in response to the dryness, leading to watery eyes as a compensatory mechanism.
Blurry Vision
One of the possible symptoms of dry eye syndrome is blurry or fluctuating vision, which can impact your ability to see clearly.
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, it is important to consult an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of dry eye syndrome.
Why Does Dry Eye Syndrome Cause Blurry Vision?
Dry eye syndrome can lead to blurry vision due to the lack of proper lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eyes. Tears play a vital role in maintaining clear vision by providing a smooth surface for light to pass through.
When the eyes are dry, the tear film becomes unstable and uneven, causing light to scatter instead of focusing precisely on the retina. This scattering of light can result in blurry vision.
Additionally, dryness on the ocular surface can lead to irregularities in the cornea. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye responsible for refracting light.
Blurry vision caused by dry eye syndrome may fluctuate throughout the day and worsen with tasks that require visual focus, like reading or using digital devices. Vision may improve temporarily after blinking or using artificial tears.
Managing dry eye syndrome through appropriate treatment and maintaining proper eye hygiene can help alleviate blurry vision and improve your vision.
How is Dry Eye Syndrome Treated?
The best treatment to help improve dry eye may vary from person to person. Typically, eye doctors recommend increasing your use of artificial tears for temporary relief.
In some cases, prescription eye drops may be recommended to reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production. Your eye doctor may also place punctal plugs in your tear drainage system to prevent excessive tear drainage.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may also be beneficial. Treatment options depend on the severity and underlying causes of the condition.
Your eye doctor will fully examine your eyes in order to determine the root cause of your symptoms. With this in consideration, they will create a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms.
Are you experiencing symptoms of dry eye? Schedule an appointment at Vision First Eye Center in Birmingham, AL, today!
