Dry eyes and blurry vision are more closely connected than you may think. Dry eyes often produce an irritation sensation described as burning, scratchiness or sandy feeling. People may also notice increased sensitivity to light. The vision itself is often fine when dry eyes are mild. However, in moderate to severe cases, dry eyes can negatively impact how clearly a person sees.
How can dry eyes cause blurry vision?
- Tear film disruption: When the tear layer covering the eye is disrupted or not thick enough due to dryness, it causes distortions in light refraction that enter the eye. This interferes with the eye's ability to focus light sharply on the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
- Corneal surface irregularities: In severe dry eye, long-term lack of moisture can lead to rough patches or thinning areas on the normally smooth cornea. Any irregularities on this clear outer eye layer will scatter light rays and prevent a clear image from forming on the retina.
- Refractive changes: Prolonged dryness may alter the contour of the cornea slightly through dehydration. This temporary change in corneal shape can disrupt its refractive power and ability to focus light properly, making vision unclear. Dry eye-related refractive changes usually resolve with proper treatment and tear restoration.
- Inflammation: In dry eye's more advanced stages, ongoing damage and irritation spur the production of inflammatory molecules in the eyes. Inflammation thickens the cornea and further distorts inbound light, worsening any existing refractive errors and vision fuzziness.
So, in summary, dry eyes can disturb the tear film, roughen the cornea, cause temporary refractive alterations, and promote inflammation - all of which degrade the eye's ability to transmit a sharply focused image to the retina. The level of blurriness usually corresponds to the severity of dryness present. How can you tell if dry eyes are behind your blurry vision issues?
Some noticeable signs include:
- Worsening blurriness after prolonged computer use, reading, or time spent outdoors in windy/arid conditions that hasten tear evaporation.
- Vision clears up after blinking or using lubricating eye drops but then fades again quickly as ocular surfaces dry out.
- Blurry spots, halos, or distortions around lights at night or in low-light environments when tear production decreases.
- Grittiness sensation, stinging, or ocular discomfort accompanying loss of sharp focus.
Call Us Today!
If you notice blurred vision worsening under conditions that challenge tear volume or film integrity, dry eyes are likely a contributing factor. It's highly recommended that you see a dry eye doctor specialist near you. Dry Eye Clinic (Orangeville Optometric) will examine your eyes to verify the diagnosis and provide you with the best options for relief based on the causal factors leading to your dry eye disease.
We will discuss both dry eye and blurry vision symptoms and provide you with treatment and professional advice. With lifestyle changes and the right medical regimen, clarity can often return to previously dry, blurry eyes. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!