You might think of dry eye as a simple discomfort, like a gritty or scratchy feeling that comes and goes. But this common condition can sometimes be more than a minor annoyance. If you’re experiencing persistent irritation, our team can help with specialized dry eye treatment to find the root cause. It can interfere with your daily activities and, if left unaddressed, may impact your vision.
Persistent dry eye can affect your eyesight, often causing temporary blurriness and, in some cases, leading to more lasting concerns. Understanding the signs and causes is a key part of protecting your long-term eye health, which we prioritize during our eye exams.
What Are the Telltale Signs of Dry Eye?
The symptoms of dry eye often affect both eyes and can range from mild to severe. The feeling is more than just dryness. It can be a constant source of irritation, making it hard to focus on your day.
Common Symptoms You Might Notice
- A stinging, scratchy, or burning sensation
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Redness or irritation
- A feeling that something is in your eye
- Watery eyes, which are the body’s response to the irritation
How Your Vision May Seem Different
When your eyes lack sufficient lubrication, your vision can become less clear. This is often one of the first ways people realize their dry eye is more than a small problem. You may notice:
- Blurred vision, especially when reading or after screen time
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Eye fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
How Dry Eye Can Change Your Vision
A healthy tear film does more than keep your eyes moist; it creates a smooth surface for light to pass through, which is necessary for clear vision. When that tear film is unstable, it can directly affect how well you see.
The Connection Between Tears and Clear Sight
Your tears are a complex mixture of water, oils, and mucus. Each layer has a specific job. An issue with any of these layers can disrupt the eye’s surface and lead to the blurry vision associated with dry eye.
From Blurry Vision to Lasting Damage
For many, the blurred vision from dry eye is temporary and improves with blinking or eye drops. However, severe and persistent dry eye can lead to more serious issues. Without the protection of a healthy tear film, the surface of your eye is more vulnerable to inflammation and infection, such as a painful corneal ulcer, which may lead to changes in vision.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Many different things can cause or contribute to dry eye. Understanding these factors can help you identify what might be behind your symptoms.
Everyday Habits and Your Environment
- Long hours at your computer, which can cause digital eye strain
- Exposure to wind, smoke, or very dry air
- Use of air conditioning or central heating
- Wearing contact lenses
Age, Health Conditions, and Other Factors
- The natural aging process, especially after age 50
- Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or menopause
- Certain medications for allergies, blood pressure, or depression
- Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and eye health issues, and thyroid problems
How to Manage Dry Eye Symptoms
You can take simple steps to find relief and protect your eyes. Minor adjustments to your daily routine can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and vision.
Simple Lifestyle Changes for Relief
- Take screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Add moisture to the air: Use a humidifier in your home or office, especially during dry winter months.
- Protect your eyes outdoors: Wear wraparound sunglasses to block wind and dry air. Learning about polarized vs. non-polarized lenses can help you choose the best protection.
- Use artificial tears: Over-the-counter eye drops can provide temporary lubrication and relief.
Options for Dry Eye Treatment
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, other options are available. These may include prescription eye drops designed to help your body produce more tears. In-office procedures that address the glands in your eyelids can also offer relief.
When to See Your Eye Doctor
While home remedies can help with mild symptoms, persistent dry eye requires a professional evaluation. An eye doctor can determine the cause of your dry eye and recommend a course of action.
Why a Professional Evaluation Matters
Your eye doctor can perform tests to measure the quantity and quality of your tears. This helps identify the specific reason for your dry eye, which is the first step toward effective management.
A proper diagnosis from a comprehensive eye exam can also rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, as eye health can be a window into your overall wellness.
Create a Plan for Your Eye Health
Based on your evaluation, your eye doctor can create a personalized plan. This plan may include a combination of lifestyle adjustments, specific types of eye drops, or other treatments. The goal is to help restore comfort and protect your vision for the long term.
Don’t Let Dry Eye Hold You Back
Don’t let dry eye discomfort interfere with your life or your vision. At Total Vision Carlsbad Plaza, we are dedicated to helping you find lasting relief. Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss your symptoms and explore your options for healthier, more comfortable eyes.
