If you’ve ever felt the gritty, uncomfortable sensation of dry eyes, you may have also noticed your vision getting a little fuzzy.
In fact, there’s a direct connection between blurry vision and dry eye. Dry eyes can cause blurry vision by disrupting the tear film that your eyes need to focus light properly.
Understanding what dry eye disease is and how it affects your tear layer can help you manage symptoms and find relief.
The Link Between Dry Eyes & Blurry Vision
Your eyes rely on a smooth, even layer of tears called the tear film to help focus light correctly and give you clear vision.
When your eyes get dry, your tear film becomes patchy and uneven. This unevenness causes light to scatter as it enters your eye, resulting in blurry or out-of-focus vision.
If your blurry vision is caused by dry eye, you might notice that a few good blinks can temporarily clear things up. This is because blinking spreads a fresh layer of tears across the surface of your eye. However, if your eyes are dry enough, the blurriness often returns quickly.
What Vision Looks Like with Dry Eye
Blurry vision caused by dry eye is notable because it comes and goes. One moment, you might see clearly, and the next, your vision might seem blurry. This fluctuation can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to read or drive.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Beyond blurry vision, you might experience other telltale signs of dryness. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision that improves after you blink
- A scratchy or sandy feeling in your eyes
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Noticeable eye redness
- Periods of excessive watering followed by dryness
- Sensitivity to light
Dry Eyes & Distorted Vision
For some people, severe or chronic dry eye can lead to more than just intermittent blurriness. This happens when the surface of your eye, the cornea, becomes so dry and uneven that it causes light to scatter.
Simple Ways to Manage Blurry Vision from Dryness
You can often find relief with a few simple adjustments to your daily routine.
Use Artificial Tears
Artificial tears can offer quick, effective relief. They work by supplementing your natural tears, moistening the eye’s surface, and helping to clear up that frustrating blurriness. If you find that you need to use artificial tears more than four times a day, look for preservative-free options.
If artificial tears aren’t enough, your doctor might recommend in-office dry eye treatments.
Blink More Often
When you focus intently on digital screens, you tend to blink less. Make a conscious effort to blink fully and frequently throughout the day. Doing so spreads your tears evenly across your eyes, keeping them lubricated.
Adjust Your Environment
Your surroundings can have a big impact on eye moisture and comfort. Try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home or office, especially during dry months. It’s also helpful to point car vents away from your face and take regular breaks from screen time to rest your eyes.
How Long Does Blurry Vision from Dry Eye Last
For most people, the blurriness from dry eye is temporary and situational. It might last for a few minutes and clear up when you apply eye drops or give your eyes a rest. You might notice more blurriness at the end of the day or after long periods of reading or computer use.
However, if the blurriness is constant or doesn’t improve with simple remedies, this could point to a more persistent issue with your tear production or tear quality. In such cases, we recommend an eye exam to help identify the cause of your discomfort.
When to See an Eye Doctor for Your Symptoms
While at-home care can provide significant relief, it doesn’t always address the root cause of dryness. If your symptoms continue despite your best efforts, an eye doctor can help you find a more effective, long-term solution.
Consider scheduling an appointment if you experience any of the following.
- Your vision stays blurry even after using drops.
- Dry eye symptoms interfere with your ability to work, read, or drive.
- You have eye pain in addition to blurriness.
- Your vision seems to get worse over time.
As your eye doctor in Colorado Springs, we can perform a range of tests to figure out why your eyes are dry—whether it’s a lack of tear production or poor tear quality. Based on our findings, we might then recommend prescription eye drops, lifestyle changes, or other in-office therapies to restore comfort and clarity. If you’re struggling with persistent symptoms, our team at Eye Care Center of Colorado Springs is here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment and get the clear, comfortable vision you deserve.
