Can Dry Eyes Cause Blindness?

Dry eye syndrome can cause many uncomfortable side effects, including redness, stinging, sensitivity to light and blurry vision.

Thankfully, dry eyes are not known to cause blindness but nonetheless can significantly impact the quality of life of sufferers For those looking for relief, treatment for dry eyes can involve artificial tears, lifestyle and dietary adjustments, and occasionally medical treatments to restore proper tear production and eye surface health.

Read on to explore the possible dry eye syndrome causes and the best cure for dry eyes, as our experts give their top recommendations.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the surface properly lubricated or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This lack of moisture can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and a sensation of grit in the eyes. Tears are important in maintaining the health of the eye surface. When tears are insufficient it can create an unstable tear film, leading to inflammation and surface damage.

The good news is that dry eye syndrome is generally manageable and rarely causes severe complications.

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eyes may arise due to a variety of factors – from environmental conditions to lifestyle choices. A common contributor is increased screen usage such as on phones and computer screens. When our eyes focus on screens, we blink less frequently, reducing the spread of tears across the eyes and leading to faster tear evaporation. This can worsen dry eye symptoms, especially for those who spend hours on screens each day.

Other factors for dry eye include some medications such as antihistamines, high blood pressure medicines and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and health conditions that impact tear production or quality. Alcohol consumption can also aggravate dry eyes as it may increase dehydration which can disrupt the moisture balance in the eyes.

Can Dry Eye Cause Blindness?

Dry eye syndrome, while uncomfortable, does not lead to blindness. It impacts the surface of the eye, or the cornea, causing symptoms such as dryness, stinging, and sensitivity to light. At worst, dry eye can lead to chronic inflammation and even small surface abrasions. However, these issues don’t penetrate deeply enough to cause permanent vision loss.

The confusion arises because severe dry eye can cause extreme blurriness when the condition flares up. This temporary blurriness can feel frightening, making reading or driving difficult – some people may mistakenly believe they might be on a path to blindness as a result. This blurred vision can be from an unstable tear film on the eye’s surface, which can be managed with treatment.

Can Dry Eye Cause Other Vision Issues?

Dry eye syndrome can lead to various vision issues, but it’s important to clarify which symptoms are and aren’t connected to it. So, while dry eye can cause blurry vision, light sensitivity, and a gritty sensation, it doesn’t directly lead to conditions like floaters.

Floaters are usually caused by age-related changes in the eye’s vitreous gel rather than a result of eye dryness. If you’re noticing floaters, it’s more likely due to natural changes in the eye’s internal structure.

Another common misconception is that dry eye can lead to cataracts. However, this is not the case– cataracts are usually a result of ageing or an injury that changes the eyes lens, resulting and into cloudy vision.

The Long-Term Effects of Dry Eye

Chronic dry eye, however, may lead to some long-term side effects. Persistent dryness can cause ongoing inflammation, which may lead to small abrasions or even scarring of the cornea. While this is rare it can reduce how clearly the eye can see. Unmanaged dry eye could also increase the risk of recurrent eye infections, as a healthy tear film is essential for washing away bacteria and debris.

Dry Eye Treatments

The best management  for dry eyes is a combination of eye drops and lifestyle changes.

Artificial Tears and Lubricants

• Include over-the-counter artificial tear drops and ointments
• Use preservative-free formulations for frequent use
• Gels and ointments may be used for overnight use

Prescription Eye Drops:

Including drops like Cyclosporine (Restasis, Cequa) to reduce inflammation.

Environmental and Lifestyle Modifications:

• Using a humidifier
• Taking regular screen breaks
• Avoiding smoke and wind
• Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake

Hygiene

Warm Compress Technique for Eye Conditions:

Preparation – Use clean, soft washcloth or specialised eye compress. The water temperature should be 40-45°C (104-113°F), ensuring water is comfortably warm, not scalding.

Application Steps – Wash hands thoroughly and soak clean washcloth in warm water. Be sure to wring out excess water. Close the eyes and apply the compress gently over closed eyelids. Hold this in place for 5-10 minutes and gently massage eyelids during or after compress application. This can be done 2-4 times daily

A combination of treatments is often used for optimal management. Regular follow-up with an eye care professional is important to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.