You blink, trying to clear your vision, but it stays fluctuating. It’s a frustrating feeling, and it’s natural to wonder what’s going on. The team at Dry Eye Relief understands this experience can be unsettling, especially when it happens often.
A common reason for this temporary blurriness is a condition that affects the quality of your tears. Yes, Dry Eye Disease can directly contribute to blurry vision. It disrupts the smooth surface your eye needs for clear sight.
The Link Between Dry Eye & Blurry Vision
Your eyes rely on a stable tear film to properly focus light. When this protective layer is disrupted, your vision can become unclear. This happens in a couple of ways:
- An unstable tear film: Healthy tears have a precise balance of water, oil, and mucus. If any part of this mix is off—especially the oily layer—your tears can evaporate too quickly. Evaporation leaves dry spots on the surface of your eye, which can scatter light and make your vision seem blurry.
- The watery eye response: It might sound strange, but dry eye can also make your eyes water in response to irritation. Since reflex tears are mostly water, they don’t lubricate your eyes well enough. Extra fluid can pool on your eye’s surface, also leading to blurry vision.
How to Know If Dry Eye Causes Your Blurry Vision
Blurry vision from dry eye often comes with other distinct symptoms. You may notice your vision clears up for a moment right after you blink.
Look out for these other common signs:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling
- Redness and irritation
- A feeling like sand or grit is in your eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
If you recognize these symptoms, a professional dry eye assessment can help identify the cause.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
Many factors can disrupt your tear film and lead to dry eye symptoms. Most causes fall into a few key categories that an eye care professional can help you identify.
Reduced Tear Production
Sometimes, your eyes just don’t produce enough tears to stay properly lubricated. This may be related to age, certain health conditions, or medications you take.
Poor Tear Quality
Your tears might not be effective even if you produce enough of them. The tiny glands in your eyelids—called meibomian glands—produce an oil that stops tears from evaporating. If these glands get blocked, your tears become unstable.
Environmental & Lifestyle Factors
Your daily habits and surroundings play a big role. Long hours on a computer, exposure to wind or dry air, and wearing contact lenses can all contribute to dry eye symptoms.
What to Do for Dry Eye and Blurry Vision
You can take steps to manage your symptoms and find relief. While home remedies can help, a professional diagnosis is important for a long-term solution.
Simple At-Home Tips
Making small changes to your routine can make a difference. Try to take regular breaks from screens, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and avoid having fans or vents blow directly into your eyes.
The Role of Eye Drops
Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide temporary relief by replenishing moisture in your eyes. However, with so many options available, it is helpful to know which type is right for you.
Get a Professional Exam
If your symptoms persist, a professional evaluation may be your next step. A comprehensive exam from a dry eye doctor in Bronx and Larchmont, NY, can identify the specific cause of your discomfort and lead to an effective dry eye treatment plan.
When Blurry Vision Is a Sign of Something Else
While dry eye is a frequent cause of blurry vision, it’s not the only one. Sudden changes in your sight or persistent blurriness should always be evaluated by a doctor.
Blurry vision can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as refractive errors (nearsightedness or farsightedness) or more serious issues, such as cataracts. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to get a clear picture of your eye health.
You don’t have to live with the discomfort of dry, blurry eyes. Our team at Dry Eye Relief in Bronx or Larchmont, NY, is committed to finding a treatment approach that fits your needs. If you are ready to find clarity, book an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
