Dry eyes can lead to more than dryness and irritation; they can also cause blurry vision. If you notice hazy or fluctuating vision throughout the day, you may need professional dry eye treatment in Plymouth. A comprehensive eye exam allows your eye doctor to check tear quality and eye surface health and then recommend personalized solutions.
In this blog, we’ll explore how dry eyes cause blurry vision, common symptoms to watch for, and the treatments that can help.
How dry eyes affect vision
When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, your cornea (the clear surface of the eye) can become dry and uneven. This can scatter light as it enters your eyes, resulting in blurry or fluctuating vision. People with dry eyes may notice:
- Blurred vision that comes and goes
- Eye fatigue or strain
- Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations
- Increased sensitivity to light
Even mild dryness can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and affect visual clarity.
What causes dry eye and blurry vision?
Some of the most common causes include:
- Aging – Tear production naturally decreases over time.
- Screen time – Staring at digital devices reduces how often you blink, leading to dryness.
- Contact lens wear – Lenses can disrupt the tear film, causing irritation and blurred vision.
- Environmental factors – Wind, dry air, smoke, or air conditioning can dry out your eyes.
- Medications – Some allergy, blood pressure, or antidepressant medications can reduce tear production.
- Underlying medical conditions – Autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or hormonal changes may contribute to dry eye.
Understanding the cause is key to finding relief. Your eye doctor can identify what’s behind your symptoms and recommend the right treatment to restore comfort and clear vision.
Advanced treatments for dry eyes
Modern treatments can help manage dry eye symptoms and improve vision quality. Depending on the severity, our eye doctor in Plymouth may recommend:
- BlephEx® treatment to clean the eyelids and reduce inflammation
- iLux® to relieve meibomian gland dysfunction
- OptiLight IPL therapy for chronic dry eye management
- Prescription or medicated eye drops for dry eyes
Combining these treatments with proper eye care and lifestyle adjustments can make a noticeable difference in comfort and vision clarity.
When should you see an eye doctor for dry eye?
If you’re dealing with dry eyes and blurry vision, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. If left untreated, dry eye can worsen over time and increase the risk of eye infections or damage to the eye’s surface. Make an appointment if you experience:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision that doesn’t improve with blinking
- Persistent dryness, burning, or gritty eyes
- Increased eye watering or sensitivity to light
- Red, irritated eyelids or frequent styes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
Our knowledgeable eye doctor can uncover the underlying cause and recommend treatments for lasting relief.
Take care of your eyes today
If you’re experiencing blurry vision due to dry eyes, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with our team and get the personalized care you need to see clearly and comfortably.