Can Dry Eyes Cause Blindness? Here’s How To Protect Your Eyesight

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce sufficient tears to properly lubricate. Because the condition causes noticeable discomfort, patients may wonder: can dry eyes cause blindness?

Developing a more thorough understanding of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dry eye will give patients more clarity on the condition, potential risks, and allow them to take greater control over their eye health.

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition in which the eye is not able to produce enough natural tears to sufficiently lubricate.

The eye's surface is constantly lubricated by a thin layer of tears known as the tear film. This tear film plays an essential role in maintaining healthy vision by providing moisture, nutrients, and protection against infection.

Complications in the tear film can prevent proper lubrication, causing patients to not produce enough tears in their eyes. Without proper treatment, patients may experience discomfort and a range of other health conditions including vision impairment and vision loss.

Dry eyes symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe irritation. The most common dry eye symptoms include:

• A stinging or burning sensation in the eye

• Blurry or cloudy vision, especially when reading

• A scratchy or gritty sensation in the eye

• Strings of mucus in or around the eyes

• Light sensitivity

• Irritation or redness in the eye (this is especially common when patients are in the wind or near cigarette smoke)

• Pain wearing contact lenses

• Excessive tearing or watery eyes—despite the name “dry eye,” patients often produce more tears to compensate for poor tear production

In severe cases, dry eyes can lead to serious health complications. If a patient suspects they have serious or chronic dry eye syndrome, they should contact their eye doctor for a checkup.

There are a variety of dry eye causes. The underlying causes of dry eye are either a lack of tear production, or poor-quality tear production.

Some more specific dry eye causes and risk factors include:

• Aging: Hormonal changes associated with the aging process often lead patients to produce fewer tears.

• Autoimmune disorders: Certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus blepharitis can lead to dry eye.

• Environmental factors: Being in environments with smoke, wind, or that are very dry can contribute to dry eyes.

• Activities: Prolonged screen time or other activities that reduce blinking can lead to dry eye.

• Certain medications: High blood pressure medications, beta-blockers for heart problems, or allergy and cold medicines such as antihistamines.

• Hormonal changes: Hormonal shifts, especially during pregnancy or menopause, can prevent tears and contribute to dry eyes.

• Ocular surgery: Procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery can affect the production of tears.

Contact lenses: Prolonged use of contact lenses can lead to dryness and discomfort.

Dry eye syndrome itself does not lead to blindness or permanent vision loss. However, if dry eye is left untreated it can cause serious complications which can lead to vision impairment and vision loss.

The cornea—the transparent front part of the eye—relies on a healthy tear film for protection and lubrication. Severe or chronic dry eye can cause a lack of moisture and nutrients that damage the cornea.

In the most severe cases, this damage can cause corneal conditions such as:

• Corneal abrasions: A scratch or scrape on the surface of your cornea. These can be painful and increase the risk of infection.

• Corneal ulcers: Open sores on the cornea, which can occur as the result of untreated dry eye.

• Corneal scarring: Prolonged damage to the cornea can result in scarring, which may lead to vision impairment or, in extreme cases, vision loss.

Blindness caused by corneal conditions is rare. However, patients experiencing extreme dry eye symptoms should receive a proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid potentially serious corneal damage.

Chronic dry eye increases the risk of certain bacterial infections. This is because the tear film serves as the eye’s first line of defense against infection.

When the tear film is disrupted, a patient's eyes become more vulnerable to infections such as:

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye): When the conjunctiva (a membrane that covers the front of the eye) becomes inflamed, causing the eye to become pink, swollen, and irritated.

• Keratitis: A potentially serious bacterial infection of the cornea which can cause blurred vision and, in severe cases, loss of vision.

In severe cases some of these bacterial infections can cause corneal damage which can contribute to vision loss if not properly managed.

A common symptom of chronic dry eye is intermittent blurry vision. This is particularly common following periods of visual focus, such as reading, watching television, or using digital devices.

In most cases, blurry vision from dry eyes is temporary. Vision will typically return to normal with blinking or lubricating eye drops. However, persistent blurriness can interfere with daily activities and lead to visual complications.

To avoid the visually disruptive effects of dry eye and restore clear vision, patients should receive a prompt diagnosis from their eye doctor.

If a patient is experiencing dry eye symptoms, the doctor will typically ask if they have medical conditions that may be contributing and then conduct a thorough eye exam. This exam will often include an assessment of tear production and an evaluation of the health of the cornea.

Depending on the severity of the condition, and the vision problems a patient is experiencing, the eye doctor may suggest one of several available treatment options.

Over-the-counter artificial tears can be used to alleviate discomfort and treat mild cases of dry eye. Artificial tears can help lubricate the eyes, alleviate dry eye symptoms, and allow patients to experience clear vision.

If a patient’s eyes are irritated and red, it's not recommended for you to use drops labeled "redness relieving" or claiming to remove redness. These drops do not treat anything medically and can sometimes worsen the situation.

In more severe cases of dry eyes, a patient’s doctor may recommend one of several prescription medications to increase tear production.

• Anti-inflammatory eye drops: Such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), which can help reduce inflammation in the tear-producing glands.

• Steroid eye drops: These may be prescribed for short-term use to reduce inflammation.

Oral medications: Some oral medications, such as omega-3 fatty acid supplements or secretagogues, can help stimulate tear production.

Simple lifestyle adjustments can also help alleviate dry eye symptoms, such as:

• Taking frequent breaks when using digital devices to avoid prolonged screen use. For instance, patients should take a break and look away from the screen for 20 seconds for every hour they are staring at a screen

• Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air to provide temporary relief in environments which may be exasperating the condition

• Wearing sunglasses to protect against wind and dry conditions

• Avoiding fans and moving air that can contribute to dry eye

Eye doctors may recommend a combination of artificial tears and prescription medications along with lifestyle changes.