Have you experienced a constant stinging, burning, irritating sensation in the eyes? If so, it may have been dry eye. This common condition can easily irritate your eyes and affect your everyday life. Though it’s often presented as a minor inconvenience, you may nonetheless be wondering, “Can dry eyes cause blindness?”
It’s rare, but it is possible for dry eyes to cause permanent vision damage, as the condition leaves your eyes exposed and more vulnerable to abrasions, bacteria, and more. If you’re dealing with dry eyes, contact your optometrist to discuss solutions.
What Is Dry Eye?
The eye’s tear film is composed of three layers—mucus, water, and oils. These layers work in harmony to keep your eyes lubricated and clear, and each has its own role:
- The oil, or lipid, layer prevents evaporation.
- The water, or aqueous, layer provides moisture and nutrients.
- The mucus, or mucin, layer spreads the tear film evenly across the eye.
When this tear film is balanced, your eyes are protected—they’re able to flush away harmful contaminants like dust, dirt, and bacteria. Think of the tear layer as a shield for your eyes that keeps them safe from the outside world.
However, if the tear film is imbalanced, this leaves the eye exposed. This condition, called dry eye, quickly leads to a range of irritating symptoms.
The Signs & Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye typically causes a stinging, burning sensation. It feels as though your eyes are entirely dehydrated or extremely inflamed. This often appears alongside other symptoms, including:
- Redness
- Scratchy feeling
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing
When unprotected, the eye is easily irritated. It dries out and inflammation worsens—especially when exposed to wind, bright light, and harsh conditions. Dry eye can be chronic or temporary, and symptoms often return when you’re in a particularly windy or dry environment.
So why does this occur?
What Causes Dry Eye?
There are 2 types of dry eye:
Evaporative dry eye often develops due to a condition called “meibomian gland dysfunction.” This occurs when the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked or impaired in some way. They can’t produce enough oils, and your tear film evaporates, leaving the eye unprotected.
On the other hand, aqueous deficiency dry eye develops when the tear glands don’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated. The eye simply can’t create the tears needed to stay protected.
Both types of dry eye can be caused by:
- Age
- Certain medications
- Medical conditions
- Hormonal changes
Dryness is often a combination of the two main types. Dry eye isn’t just a temporary problem; it can also have significant long-term effects on your eye health and vision.
Can Dry Eyes Cause Blindness?
It’s important to note that dry eye doesn’t cause blindness by itself. Instead, it increases the risk of other problems that can, themselves, cause permanent damage. Though this is rare, blindness is a possibility.
If you don’t seek treatment, your tear film will stay out of balance and your eyes will be exposed and vulnerable. Long-term dry eye puts you at a higher risk of:
- Corneal scratches due to dust, dirt, and foreign particles
- Infections, as the eye can’t effectively remove bacteria
- Ulcers or scarring on the cornea, which can affect vision clarity
- Inflammation and swelling, leading to increased discomfort
These injuries can lead to scarring, severe infections, and permanent vision damage. This makes it crucial to talk to your optometrist as soon as you can in order to prevent potential long-term problems.
How to Treat Dry Eye
At Tree City EyeCare, we’re ready to help you find relief. That’s why we offer specialty scleral lenses for dry eye—a simple but effective approach to treatment.
Scleral lenses aren’t like regular contact lenses. These are large-diameter lenses designed to vault over the cornea rather than rest against it. The lenses create a small space between the lens and the cornea, holding a small amount of fluid against the eye to keep it moist.
Scleral lenses offer:
- A protective barrier against environmental irritants
- Continuous hydration for the cornea
- Enhanced comfort for daily wear
Scleral lenses are a comfortable and efficient way to treat dry eyes. They’re customized to meet your needs, making them an excellent option if you’re dealing with discomfort and inflammation. Though the approach is simple, the benefits make a significant difference!
Tips for Preventing Dry Eyes
Like many medical conditions, preventing dry eye is often easier than a cure. You can reduce your risk of dry eyes by:
- Using a humidifier in dry environments
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors
- Avoiding smoke exposure and tobacco
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats
Don’t forget to visit your optometrist at least once a year for personalized eye care advice. This approach can significantly lower the risk of dry eyes and keep your vision clear and comfortable.
Dry Eye Relief Awaits
If you’re dealing with dry eyes, don’t deal with the discomfort—relief is waiting for you here at Tree City EyeCare. Our team can work closely with you to find a solution that truly meets your needs. You deserve relief, and we’re ready to help, so book an appointment with us today!