Dry eye condition causes uncomfortable symptoms such as stinging, burning, grittiness, and the sensation of something in the eye. Most people experience dry eyes in particular environments or situations.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Signs of dry eye include:
- Burning, scratchy, or stinging sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision and eye fatigue
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Stringy mucus from the eyes
- The feeling of something in the eyes
- Difficulty with night driving
- Difficulties wearing contact lenses
How Dry Eye Affects Vision
Blurry vision is a common symptom of dry eye syndrome. It can result from different factors, including excessive screen time, contact lens use, underlying health conditions, certain medications, dehydration, and poor diet.
Blurry vision affects the individual’s ability to see well. It also goes hand-in-hand with eye fatigue, mainly in digital eyestrain. Dry eye is often a side effect of other eye diseases, especially age-related ones. Therefore, older people are more likely to have dry eye and vision problems.
Treating Dry Eye for Good Vision
Eye doctors recommend various ways to treat dry eye and blurry vision. Treatment options include:
- OTC eye drops
- Prescription eye drops and medications
- Reducing screen time
- Quitting smoking
- Drinking plenty of water
- Applying a warm compress over the eyelids
- Resting the eyes frequently
- Eating a healthy diet with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A – reduces inflammation and improves overall eye health
Complications of Dry Eye
Dry eye disease can lead to complications such as eye infections and damage to the eye surface. If left untreated, dry eye can lead to inflammation, corneal ulcers, corneal abrasion, and vision loss.
Dry eye can result in reduced quality of life. The condition can make it difficult to perform daily tasks and activities such as driving and reading.
Visiting an Eye Doctor
When home remedies fail to reduce dry eye symptoms, it is necessary to visit the eye doctor at iDoctor. You need to see a doctor if you experience nausea, frequent headaches, fever, eye pain, or blurry vision.
Symptoms such as uncontrollable eye-watering, difficulty seeing distant objects, and difficulty seeing close objects are reasons to visit an eye doctor. If you have a green or yellow eye discharge, you may have an eye infection that requires immediate treatment. If you experience sudden vision changes, contact your eye doctor immediately.
Chronic dry eye can lead to vision problems. Fortunately, home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments can help manage the condition. Regular eye exams can help detect the condition in the early stages.
For more on how dry eye can affect your vision, visit iDoctor at our office in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Call (630) 454-6899 to book an appointment today.
