Have you ever been in a situation where your eyes feel irritated, and it feels like something is inside them that just won’t go away, no matter how hard you try to blink? You may also notice that your vision has become a bit blurry and hazy.
If that is the case, then you might have experienced dry eye syndrome, which is common among many people. A comprehensive eye exam can give you a better idea of this.
The eye condition known as dry eye results from inadequate tear production or when the tears in the eyes tend to evaporate too quickly. That is where the problem begins because it results in the most uncomfortable sensations: redness, itchiness, and even blurry vision.
But the question that arises here is, how can dry eyes cause blurry vision?
Imagine having a window that is unclear and somehow dirty, and you’re trying to look through it. Dry eyes resulting in blurry vision feel the same. Without that smooth, moist surface, light cannot get into our eyes correctly, and everything we see in focus would appear blurred and foggy.
Understanding Symptoms and Causes of Dry Eyes
If your eyes are dry, you should expect to experience a couple of symptoms.
At times, you can experience itching or irritation in the eyes, giving you the impression of having sand in them, which is supposedly hard to get out.
Dry eyes can cause redness, irritation, or a burning sensation. Interestingly, to compensate for dry eyes, your eyes can sometimes water more than usual. Therefore, sometimes, it will leave you with the sensation of blurred vision.
One more question that crosses your mind might be, “Why me?” Well, there are multiple causes of dry eyes to understand.
Age is a significant contributor to this. This is due to a drop in the production of tears as we age. Straining your eyes to look at computer screens without blinking is among the causes, along with windy or smoky environments, wearing contacts for a long time, some medications, and medical issues.
For women, they are the most targeted, especially during pregnancy, birth control, or menopause because of the hormonal changes.
Remember: Feeling your eyes dry once in a while is not a big deal, but if it continues for an extended period of time, the health of your eyes might be at stake.
Effective Dry-Eye Management Strategies
With the right tactics, you can minimize discomfort coming from dry eyes and causing blurred vision. Here are some of the practical ways to control dry eye syndrome.
Lifestyle Changes and Therapies
- Long hours of screen staring may thin tear film and slow down your blink rate, resulting in dry eyes. To get rid of blurry vision, you should practice consciously pressing the eyelids again and again.
- A humidifier is an economical product that you can use to saturate the air at home and work. Also, avoid putting hot air from heaters, air conditioners, or fans directly on your face.
- Your eyes need water to stay moist. Therefore, drink enough water every day in order to avoid dehydration. The target is to drink at least 8 glasses of pure water daily.
- Add the practice of gently applying a warm, wet cloth to your eyes for several minutes. This will enable the blocked glands to open up, allowing oils to flow easily from them into your tears and preventing evaporation.
- Be an advocate of the 20-20-20 rule. After every 20 minutes, take a 20-second rest and look at something 20 feet in front of you. This can relieve overworked eye muscles and prevent discomfort.
- Glasses with moisture chambers around the eyes can be particularly effective in severe cases, helping prevent tear evaporation.
- Protective sunglasses will keep your eyes out of the wind and sun, which can dry them.
Over-the-Counter Medicines and Therapies
- OTC artificial eye drops for blurry vision are an instant solution to reduce tear dryness and satisfy general discomfort. Before using them, make sure that they are preservative-free to minimize the use of chemicals.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, present in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil supplements, stimulate the production of the lipid layer of your eyes that contains tears. This improves the quality of tears and reduces dry-eye symptoms.
- Some optometrists do suggest treatments that involve intense pulsated light therapies combined with eyelid massage to enhance tear gland function and cure dry eye symptoms.
- In other instances, you might be told to get tiny silicone plugs inserted into your tear ducts so that your tears can’t leave your eyes, thus helping you keep your eyes moist.
- If your dry eyes tend to be persistent, regardless of all the factors, it is essential to contact an eye care professional. Depending on the seriousness of your condition, they can give you personal tips or point you to treatment options that are suitable for you.
Choose Vision Gallery
Dry eyes and vision problems can be like a tiring fight that never seems to end. Remember, you aren’t alone, and there is always someone to help you. At Vision Gallery, our devoted team of eye care professionals serves you by giving you personalized advice and advanced treatments that reflect your specific needs. Contact us today and take the first step towards overcoming dry eyes and getting your vision back.
Your eyes deserve the best care, and we’re here to offer the best solutions.
