You blink a few times, hoping to clear things up, but your vision stays fuzzy. If this sounds familiar, you might be surprised to learn that the blurriness you feel might be linked to dry eyes.
A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond checking how well you can see, looking at your entire visual system. Yes, dry eyes can cause blurry vision by disrupting the tear film that your eyes need to focus light properly. This uneven surface scatters light, which may lead to a frustrating lack of clarity.
The Link Between Dry Eyes & Blurry Vision
A smooth, stable tear film is a key part of how your eye focuses light. When your eyes are dry, this tear film becomes uneven and can break down too quickly between blinks. As a result, light scatters on the rough, dry surface of your eye, causing your vision to look blurry or distorted.
How to Know if Dry Eyes Cause Your Blur
Blurry vision caused by dry eye can often be identified by the fact that it tends to come and go. You might notice your vision is worse after long periods of screen time, reading, or being in a dry, windy environment. If a few good blinks or using eye drops temporarily clears your vision, dryness is a likely factor.
Common Signs You May Have Dry Eye
Blurry vision is just one piece of the puzzle. Dry eye can show up in several ways, and the symptoms can range from slightly annoying to very disruptive. Other common signs include:
- A scratchy or sandy feeling, like something is in your eye
- Redness & irritation
- A stringy discharge from the eyes
- Watery eyes—which is the body’s response to the irritation
- Difficulty with nighttime vision
- Discomfort when you wear contact lenses
How Your Contact Lenses Affect Eye Dryness
Contact lenses can be a great alternative to glasses, but they can also contribute to feelings of dryness. Because contacts sit directly on your tear film, they can disrupt the moisture balance of your eyes and make symptoms of dryness more noticeable.
Factors That Contribute to Dryness
Different aspects of contact lens wear can play a role in how your eyes feel. Some types of lenses can limit the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea, which can lead to irritation. Certain lens materials can also lose moisture to the air more quickly, which may draw fluid away from your eyes.
Additionally, proteins and other deposits from your tears can build up on contact lenses over time. This buildup can cause discomfort and further disrupt the stability of your tear film. Following a proper cleaning routine is important for comfortable lens wear.
Solutions for Dry Eyes & Blurry Vision
You don’t have to live with the discomfort and unclear vision that dry eyes can cause. There are many effective ways to manage the symptoms and get back to seeing clearly and comfortably. A conversation with your eye doctor can help you find the right approach for your needs.
Use Rewett Drops
Over-the-counter rewetting drops, also known as artificial tears, can provide quick relief by supplementing your natural tears. Some formulas are made specifically for contact lens wearers. These drops can help rehydrate both your eyes and your lenses throughout the day.
Change Your Lens Care Routine
Sometimes, the solution you use to clean your contacts can cause irritation. Switching to a different type, like a hydrogen peroxide-based system, can offer a deeper clean with fewer preservatives. This change may be helpful for sensitive eyes.
Adjust Your Wear Schedule
Giving your eyes a regular rest can make a difference. Try to wear your contacts for fewer hours each day or take a day off each week and wear your glasses instead. This can reduce strain and help your eyes recover their natural moisture balance.
Consider Different Contact Lenses
If your current contacts seem to be part of the problem, you have more options today than ever before. Lens technology has progressed over time, so nowadays we can offer contacts designed specifically for people who experience dryness. These lenses can offer better comfort and hydration.
Daily disposable lenses are a popular choice because you use a fresh pair every day, which means no opportunity for irritating deposits to build up. Silicone hydrogel lenses are another option, as they allow more oxygen to reach your cornea.
For more significant cases of dry eye, scleral lenses create a reservoir of fluid that bathes your cornea in moisture all day.
When to Talk to an Optometrist in Boise
While occasional dryness is common, persistent symptoms that affect your vision and daily life are worth a closer look. A professional evaluation can pinpoint the cause of your dry eye and help you find lasting relief. As your optometrist in Boise, we can create a personalized plan based on your eyes, your health, and your lifestyle.
Red Flags for Blurry Vision
Fluctuating blurriness from dry eye is one thing, but some vision changes require prompt attention. If you experience a sudden loss of vision, eye pain, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow over your field of vision, it’s important to schedule a visit. These symptoms can indicate a more serious condition.If you’re tired of dealing with dryness and blur, our team at Vision One Boise is here to help. Request an appointment with us today, and we can discuss your symptoms and examine your tear film. We’ll recommend contacts or other treatments to help you see clearly and comfortably again.
