Advanced Relief for Dry Eye Syndrome Starts Here

Dry eye is often an ongoing problem that’s unlikely to go away on its own, depending on the cause. If you experience dry eyes, it’s a good idea to consult an eye doctor to assess the situation.

Yes, dry eye can cause vision problems. When the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the quality of the tears is poor, it can lead to several visual disturbances and discomfort. Here’s how dry eye can affect vision:

Blurry Vision:

Tear Film Instability: The tear film is crucial for maintaining a smooth and clear ocular surface. Dry eye disrupts this tear film, leading to blurred or fluctuating vision.

Mucous Strands: In dry eye conditions, mucous can accumulate on the surface of the eye, causing intermittent blurriness.

Light Sensitivity (Photophobia):

Inflammation: Dry eyes can cause inflammation of the ocular surface, making the eyes more sensitive to light.

Lack of Tear Protection: Tears normally help protect the eyes from bright lights and glare. Without sufficient tears, eyes may become more susceptible to light sensitivity.

Eye Fatigue:

Strain and Discomfort: Dry eyes can cause constant irritation and strain, leading to eye fatigue, especially during activities that require prolonged visual attention, such as reading or using digital screens.

Reduced Blinking: The discomfort from dry eyes can reduce the frequency of blinking, further exacerbating dryness and fatigue.

Difficulty with Night Vision:

Poor Tear Film: Inadequate tear film can scatter light entering the eye, making it difficult to see clearly in low-light conditions, such as driving at night.

Increased Glare: Dry eye can increase glare and halos around lights, making nighttime activities challenging.

Double Vision (Diplopia):

Irregular Corneal Surface: Severe dry eye can lead to irregularities on the corneal surface, which can cause double vision or ghost images.

Increased Risk of Eye Infections:

Compromised Defense: Tears play a key role in protecting the eyes from infections. Dry eyes can reduce this natural defense, increasing the risk of eye infections that can affect vision.

Persistent Discomfort:

Pain and Irritation: Chronic dry eye can cause constant irritation, leading to a feeling of grittiness or a foreign body sensation, which can distract from clear vision.

Increased Blink Reflex: The need to blink more frequently to compensate for dryness can disrupt vision and cause discomfort.

Impact on Quality of Life:

Difficulty Performing Tasks: Severe dry eye can interfere with daily activities such as reading, using a computer, or driving.

Reduced Productivity: Chronic discomfort and visual disturbances from dry eye can decrease overall productivity and quality of life.

Addressing dry eye early and effectively is important not only for comfort but also for maintaining clear and stable vision. If you experience persistent symptoms of dry eye, seek advice from an eye care professional to manage the condition and protect your vision.

Ocular surface disease can be broadly defined as a group of disorders that affect various parts of the eye’s surface. Dry eye is among these disorders and is one of the most common.

To remain comfortable, your eyes need to be lubricated, or bathed, with tears. Normally, there is always a film of these ‘basal’ tears on the surface of the eyes. But if your eyes don’t produce enough basal tears, the surface becomes irritated. This is what is known as “dry eye” syndrome.

Other disorders related to ocular surface disease, such as inflammation and allergies, also result in tear film dysfunction or damages to the eye’s surface. Symptoms and signs of the disorders contributing to ocular surface disease may include eye discomfort, burning, fatigue, fluctuating visual acuity, infection, ulceration, scarring of the eye’s surface, and possible loss of vision.

Our doctors determine whether you are suffering from dry eye specifically or another ocular surface condition. They then identify and lead you down the right treatment path for you.