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Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurry Vision?

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A woman rubbing both of her eyes with her hand.

Do you find yourself squinting often to try to make out blurry images or words? Do your eyes often feel irritated? Does vision clarity fluctuate from day to day, sometimes being noticeably worse than other days? If so, dry eyes may be the cause of your blurry vision. 

Dry eye is a common condition, but its symptoms can also have consequences on our everyday lives if left untreated. Dry eye syndrome can lead to blurry vision—and thankfully, treatments to improve this condition are available.

Exploring the Causes of Blurry Vision

Our eyes are an amazing feat of nature. They allow us to see the world and experience its beauty. But sometimes, our vision can become blurry, and that can be a frustrating and worrying experience. The causes of blurry vision can vary greatly depending on many factors. 

Common causes of blurred vision include dry eyes and:

  • Abrasions to the cornea
  • Eye strain
  • Migraines
  • Excessive exposure to digital screens
  • Certain medications
  • Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Cataracts
  • Corneal scarring
  • Infectious retinitis
  • Optic neuritis
  • Retinopathy, such as diabetic retinopathy
  • Stroke
  • Trauma or injury to the eyes

How to Tell If Your Vision Is Blurry Due to Dry Eyes

How can you tell if dry eyes are to blame for your blurry vision? Look out for symptoms like redness, a gritty feeling in your eyes, and excessive tearing. If you experience these symptoms alongside blurry vision, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss treatment options. Remember, if left untreated, dry eyes can cause damage to your eyesight.

What Can You Do to Treat Dry Eyes & Improve Your Vision

Dry eyes can be a pesky problem that causes discomfort and affects your vision. Thankfully, there are a number of methods to manage and treat dry eyes. 

A woman using artificial tears to prevent dry eyes.

One effective dry eye treatment is the use of artificial tears or eye drops that help lubricate the eyes. Another approach is to adjust your environment by reducing air conditioning, using a humidifier, and avoiding smoking or exposure to smoke. 

Additionally, incorporating eye-healthy nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and zinc into your diet can also benefit your eye health.

Managing Your Symptoms with At-Home Remedies

Blurry vision caused by dry eye can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, but there are at-home remedies that may help manage your symptoms, including:

  • Taking frequent breaks if you spend a lot of time looking at a screen, as this can cause eye strain. 
  • Practising eye exercises, like the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking away from your screen every 20 minutes and focusing on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 
  • Focusing on distant objects or rolling your eyes in circles can also help exercise your eyes and alleviate symptoms of temporary blurry vision.

Identifying When It’s Time to See a Doctor About Your Blurry Vision 

Blurry vision can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. It can make the world around you seem hazy, and it can make reading and other daily activities challenging. While occasional blurry vision can be normal, it’s important to know when it’s time to see a doctor. 

If you have persistent blurry vision, it could be a sign of a serious eye condition. It’s especially important to seek optometric attention if you experience other symptoms, like eye discomfort or headaches. Your eyes are incredibly important, and taking care of them should always be a priority.

Promote Long-Term Eye Health

Blurry vision can easily impair your ability to perform everyday tasks, and it is important to take action when you experience visual discomfort.

Visit Advance Eye Care Center for an eye exam and treatment for your blurry vision. The optometric team can diagnose the cause of your blurry vision accurately and guide you in selecting the best options for relief from dry eyes, both short-term and long-term. Don’t live any longer with uncomfortable vision; act now to help improve your eye comfort.

Written by Myles Bokinac

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