How Does Dry Eye Affect Vision?

Dry eye is more than just an uncomfortable condition; it can significantly impact your vision and overall eye health. At Holicki Eye Centers and Optical, we understand the challenges dry eye can bring to everyday life.

The Role of Tears in Vision

Our eyes rely on a delicate tear film to maintain clear vision. Tears lubricate, protect, and provide nutrients to the eye’s surface, helping to prevent infections, reduce friction during blinking, and keep your vision sharp. When this tear film becomes unstable due to dryness, vision can blur, and the eyes may feel irritated, scratchy, or sensitive to light. 
 

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can result from various factors, including:
 

• Age: Tear production tends to decrease as we get older.
   

• Environmental Factors: Prolonged exposure to screens, wind, smoke, and dry climates can worsen dry eye.
   

• Medical Conditions: Certain autoimmune disorders, like Sjögren’s syndrome, are linked to dry eye.
   

• Contact Lens Wear: Contact lenses can absorb natural moisture from the eyes, contributing to dryness.
   

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
   

Here’s a closer look at how dry eye affects vision.
 

Blurry Vision

Inadequate tear production or poor tear quality leads to a disruption in the tear film, causing blurry or fluctuating vision. Without sufficient moisture, the eye’s surface can become irregular, making it difficult to focus on objects and creating problems with tasks requiring sharp vision, such as reading or driving.
 

Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)

When eyes lack moisture, they can become highly sensitive to light. This sensitivity can make everyday activities like being outdoors or looking at digital screens uncomfortable and even painful, especially in bright or glaring environments.
 

Eye Strain and Fatigue

Dry eye forces your eyes to work harder to see clearly, leading to eye strain and fatigue. Those with dry eye may experience a feeling of heaviness in the eyes, making it hard to concentrate or complete visually demanding tasks.
 

Increased Risk of Eye Infections

Tears help wash away dust, debris, and pathogens, protecting your eyes from infections. A lack of proper lubrication can leave the eyes vulnerable to infections, further compromising vision health.
 

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye is crucial to protecting your vision. Some of the most common symptoms include:
 

• Persistent dryness, itching, or burning sensation
   

• Redness or irritation
   

• Mucous discharge around the eyes
   

• Sensitivity to wind and light
   

• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
   

Finding Relief at Holicki Eye Centers and Optical

If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, seeking treatment can help protect your vision and restore your eye comfort. Treatments for dry eye range from over-the-counter artificial tears to prescription eye drops, punctual plugs, or supplements to increase the production of tears At Holicki Eye Centers and Optical, we provide personalized treatment plans to manage dry eye effectively. Our goal is to alleviate symptoms, protect your vision, and enhance your quality of life.
 

Contact Holicki Eye Centers and Optical to learn about the best dry eye treatments for you. Visit any of our offices in Sturgis and Coldwater, Michigan, or Angola, Indiana. Please call (269) 659-4545, (517) 279-7927, (260) 665-5015, or visit our website to book an appointment today.