Dry eye syndrome is an unfortunate condition that causes one’s eyes to feel chronically dry. This dryness can produce a number of unwanted effects that can interfere with one’s well-being and ability to navigate day-to-day life. Because of the wide range of effects dry eyes can cause, many people wonder, “Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness?” Fortunately, the answer to this question is no, as the condition is typically severe enough to produce this effect. That being said, there are many conditions that dry eye syndrome can cause. If you have dry eye syndrome that is interfering with your day-to-day life, continue reading for information that can help you navigate some of the impacts associated with dry eye syndrome.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome impacts the layers of tears that cover the cornea. Usually, the impact is that individuals with dry eye syndrome do not produce enough tears, or their tears evaporate too quickly. A lack of tears to lubricate the eyes leads to irritation, redness, and other symptoms that can impact an individual’s well-being.
The exact cause of dry eye syndrome can be somewhat difficult to pinpoint. Many different plausible causes can cause dry eye syndrome, and sometimes, it can take investigation from an expert to determine the exact cause. Plausible indicators that an individual may have dry eye syndrome include:
- Blepharitis
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Aging
- Medication side-effects
- Excessive screen use
- Contact lenses
- Environmental impacts
Dry eye syndrome can be caused by one or a combination of the above factors. A professional should be able to pinpoint the cause of your dry eye during a medical evaluation.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
There are several common symptoms that individuals with dry eyes will suffer from. Some of the symptoms of this condition include:
- Itchiness
- Soreness
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
The above conditions are among the milder symptoms of dry eyes. In more severe cases, patients may experience any of the following:
- Changing vision
- Pain
- Changes in the shape of the eyelids
- Inability to moisten the eyes
In the case that one experiences any of the above severe symptoms of dry eyes, they should seek medical attention to rule out the possibility that the dry eyes are the result of a severe medical condition.
Can Dry Eye Syndrome Cause Blindness?
In most cases, dry eye syndrome is a mild condition that will not have a large impact on a patient’s lifestyle. Addressing your dry eye sooner rather than later can help ensure that your condition does not develop into a more serious medical concern.
Severe dry eye can lead to blindness in situations where the cornea of the eyes becomes damaged. Excessively and chronically dry eyes can lead to scarring in the corneas, which in turn can worsen the eyesight. If left untreated over time, this condition can eventually lead to blindness.
Treating Dry Eyes
There are many different avenues one can take to curb the severity of dry eye syndrome. The exact method of treatment depends on the severity of the case. For more mild cases of dry eyes, the following steps can be taken to reduce symptoms:
- Limiting the amount of time spent on screens
- Remembering to use correct hygiene for contact lenses
- Wearing sun protection when spending extended periods outside
- Experimenting with dietary supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids
In more severe cases of dry eyes, some manner of oculoplastic surgery may be required to rectify the chronic nature of the issue. Your physician can determine the best path forward during an assessment of your case. In some cases, they will prescribe medications to assist with the lubrication of the tear ducts. Common medications used for this purpose include:
- Platelet-rich plasma eye drops
- Oculocin eye drops
- Autologous serum eye drops
When Should I Seek Medical Attention?
Most patients will not need to seek out medical attention for their dry eyes and can simply manage the condition through over-the-counter medications or lifestyle precautions. However, if you start to experience changes in your vision or a reduction in eyesight, you should consider seeking advice from a medical professional to explore your treatment options. Meeting with a professional can help ensure that you do not experience the worst-case scenario of dry eye-induced blindness.
Oculofacial Plastic Surgery in Miami
Dr. Sarah Avila is a highly regarded eye surgeon in the Southern Florida region. If you would like to discuss your experience with dry eyes with a qualified oculofacial plastic surgeon, contact Dr. Avila today to schedule a consultation and make a plan for moving forward.
