If you have noticed your vision gets a bit fuzzy from time to time, you might be surprised to learn that dry eye could be the cause. Especially in a dry climate like Kelowna, British Columbia, dry eye can affect vision comfort in a few days. At iSight Optometry, our team is experienced in treating the factors contributing to dry eye beyond eye drops.
Yes, dry eye can absolutely contribute to blurry vision. When your eyes lack the proper moisture, the surface becomes uneven, which can distort light and temporarily make things look out of focus. This can explain why your vision might change throughout the day, improving with a few blinks but becoming blurry again moments later.
Why Dry Eye Affects Your Vision
Think of your tear film as the first surface that light passes through on its way into your eye. For you to have sharp, clear vision, this surface needs to be smooth. Dry eye disease disrupts this smooth layer, creating tiny rough patches that scatter light before it can focus properly on the back of your eye. This is what creates that blur that seems to come and go.
A Closer Look at Your Tear Film
Your tear film is more complex than you might think. It has 3 distinct layers that work together to protect and nourish your eyes. An imbalance in any 1 of these layers can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly, leading to dry spots on the outer layer of your eye (the cornea). This imbalance creates an uneven surface, which is why blinking sometimes clears the blurriness.
How to Know if Dry Eye Is Causing Your Blurry Vision
Blurriness that comes from dry eye usually arrives with a few other noticeable signs. You might find that your vision is less clear after spending a few hours on the computer or that it gets worse as the day goes on. While some symptoms can overlap with other conditions, paying attention to a few key signs can help you connect the dots.
Common Signs to Watch For
- Vision that sharpens right after you blink
- A gritty or sandy feeling, like something is in your eye
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Redness and general irritation
- Watery eyes, which can be your body’s response to the irritation
- Increased sensitivity to light
What Else Can Cause Sudden Blurriness?
While dry eye is a very common cause of temporary blurriness, it is not the only one. Any change in your vision can sometimes point to other eye health conditions. A comprehensive eye exam is a great way to get a full picture of your eye health.
Other Possible Reasons for Blurry Vision
Sudden or persistent blurriness can also be related to a change in your glasses prescription, digital eye strain, or other eye health issues. When you visit an eye doctor in Kelowna, our team can perform tests to identify the contributing factors to your symptoms.
How You Can Manage Dry Eyes and Blurriness at Home
You can take simple steps at home to support your tear film and help reduce blurriness. These daily habits can help provide comfort and improve your eye health, especially in a dry environment like Kelowna.
Simple At-Home Steps
- Use quality artificial tears: Not all eye drops are the same. Look for preservative-free drops, as they are usually more gentle for frequent use and can help lubricate your eyes throughout the day.
- Apply a warm compress: A warm compress can help release the natural oils in your eyelids. These oils are a key part of your tear film and help prevent evaporation.
- Stay hydrated and use a humidifier: Drinking plenty of water and adding moisture to your home or office air helps your whole body, including your eyes.
- Take screen breaks: Remember to blink completely and often. You can also follow the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Professional Solutions for Lasting Relief
When at-home care does not provide enough relief, it may be time to look into professional dry eye therapy. A personalized treatment plan can target the factors contributing to your individual case of dry eye.
A Look at In-Office Therapies
Your eye doctor can recommend a tailored approach that goes beyond drops. This can include a wide selection of dry eye products and in-office treatments, such as specific lid wipes, sprays, and oral omega-3 supplements. Some advanced in-office options include:
- Prescription eye drops: These medications can help your eyes produce more tears or reduce underlying inflammation.
- Autologous serum eye drops: For more severe cases of dry eye, these drops are custom-made to help support the eye’s surface.
- Punctal plugs: These are tiny devices placed in your tear ducts to keep your natural tears on the eye’s surface for a longer time.
- NuLid treatments: This is an in-office procedure designed to treat eyelid inflammation, a common contributor to dry eye.
- Manual gland expression: This technique helps clear blocked oil glands along your eyelids to support the quality of your tears.
- Amniotic membrane therapy: This in-office treatment uses a biologic membrane placed on the eye to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and support regeneration of the ocular surface in moderate to severe dry eye cases.
- Scleral contact lenses: These specialized lenses vault over the surface of the eye and hold a reservoir of fluid against it, helping protect the cornea, improve comfort, and provide lasting relief for patients with severe or treatment-resistant dry eye.
Explore Dry Eye Treatment in Kelowna
Blurry vision can be disruptive, but you don’t have to put up with the discomfort. If you are experiencing symptoms, our team at iSight Optometry is here to provide 1-on-1 attention and help you find a unique solution for clear, comfortable vision. Schedule your appointment in Kelowna, BC, today.
