Do Dry Eyes Cause Vision Loss? And What are Some Good Contacts for Dry Eyes?

If you feel that your eyes seem dry occasionally or if you have regular complaints, then you may suffer from dry eyes. Dry eyes is an unpleasant eye condition, but it should not result in vision loss if treated correctly.

 

Dry Eyes Can Manifest Themselves Through a Variety of Complaints

• A burning, tired, stinging, pressing, or itching feeling
• A gritty or grainy feeling
• Light feels uncomfortable
• When you blink or close your eyes, the eyelids stick, especially at night and when getting up in the morning
• Sometimes you must blink several times before you can see everything clearly or vision that fluctuates throughout the day
• If you work at the computer or read for a long time, your eyes seem unable to stay open
• Tearing eyes

If you have one or more of these symptoms regularly, visit your eye doctor.

 

What are the Causes of Dry Eyes?

• Anyone can suffer from dry eyes if the ambient air is very dry or if the air conditioning is running continuously. A hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home can provide a definitive answer. If improving your ventilation is not an option, consider purchasing a humidifier.
• The likelihood of dry eyes increases with age, mainly because the Meibomian glands’ function decreases. In addition, the cornea may become less sensitive, and hormone levels in your blood change.
• Dry eyes can also result from side effects of anti-depressants, diuretics, hypertension drugs, and many others
• Doing a lot of screen work increases the risk of dry eyes because this may decrease the regular blink reflex.
• Finally, the cause can also be an inflammatory reaction, irregularities of the eye surface or autoimmune diseases.

Treatment

Most causes of dry eyes will not result in vision loss unless they remain untreated for an extended period of time. If you continue to suffer from persistent symptoms, then a visit to the eye doctor is imperative. Only then will you know what adequate treatment is for your condition. The subsequent advice may range from vitamin A tablets or omega-3 supplements, eye drops, artificial tears, other types of prescription drops, or treatments targeted toward meibomian gland health.

Scleral lenses are a great option for treating dry eyes as well since they vault over the cornea and provide a fluid reservoir in between the eye and the lens that can help preserve, hydrate and restore the ocular surface.

Don’t Let It Get too Far

Even if you don’t have dry eyes, it’s important to get regular eye exams.

 

• Eat a well-balanced diet with enough water to stay hydrated and with plenty of omega 3 fatty acids.
• Wearing sunglasses or lenses with UV-protection protects your eyes when you’re outside.
• Don’t spend too much time on the computer screen. If you cannot avoid this, grant yourself regular rest moments.
• Don’t fall asleep with your contact lenses in, and ensure you always clean them correctly and with the appropriate products.

Related resources: Blepharitis/Dry Eye Home Treatment

 

Visit The Miami Contact Lens Institute to learn more about possible eye issues and how to avoid them!