Dry eye disease is a frustrating issue. They make it difficult to focus, read, or work—the constant irritation interferes with almost every part of everyday life. This common condition develops due to an imbalance in your tear film, and it’s well-known for causing burning, stinging sensations. But what about the long-term effects?
While dry eye disease can’t directly cause blindness, it does leave the eye unprotected. This increases the risk of scratches to the cornea, infections, and more—all of which can cause long-term vision damage if left unaddressed.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Your eyes rely on a healthy tear film to stay comfortable and protected. These tears wash dirt, dust, and bacteria away from the eye. Meanwhile, they keep the surface of the eye moist with a clear, hydrating film.
For tears to function, they need a delicate balance of three components—water, mucus, and oil. When this tear film becomes unbalanced, your eyes are unprotected and unlubricated.
This results in dry eye disease, a common ocular surface condition. It makes the surface of your eyes feel gritty and irritated like they’re constantly burning. This can be chronic or temporary depending on the underlying cause.
Symptoms Of Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease can vary from person to person. Some people barely notice any significant discomfort while others find their symptoms debilitating.
Some common symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- Irritation or a gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye
- Redness or inflammation around the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Excessive tearing, as the eyes attempt to compensate for dryness
At first, these may just be irritating. When you’re exposed to dry, moving air, or any situation that puts extra strain on your eyes, they tend to worsen.
What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
Your eyes are naturally an extremely sensitive organ. They’re vulnerable to all kinds of external and internal factors. Almost any factor that affects tear production or the eye’s surface can set off dry eye symptoms.
One of the most common causes of dry eyes and irritation is something called “meibomian gland dysfunction.” This affects the glands in your eyelids responsible for producing oils. When these glands are clogged or blocked in any way, they can’t send these oils to the tear film. Then, tears evaporate too soon, leading to dryness and irritation.
Dry eye disease can also develop due to:
- Aging, as tear production tends to decrease over time.
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disorders.
- Environmental factors such as wind, smoke, or dry climates.
- Side effects of medications, including antihistamines or antidepressants.
These all contribute to dry eyes. If you notice a constant stinging sensation on the surface of your eyes, talk to your optometrist as soon as you can.
The Long-Term Risk Of Dry Eye Disease?
When dry eye disease is left untreated, your eyes stay unprotected and exposed. You’ll likely notice constant, chronic inflammation. However, this isn’t just a temporary problem.
Over time, this inflammation can damage the surface of your eye—including the cornea—which is vital for clear vision. This significantly increases the risk of:
- Corneal ulcers
- Scarring
- Scratches and abrasions
- Infections
These can eventually cause permanent damage to your vision. So while dry eye disease can’t directly cause blindness, it does put you at a higher risk of conditions that can do so. These minor problems can quickly become worse, but fortunately, your optometrist can help.
Can An Optometrist Treat Dry Eye Disease?
If you notice constant burning sensations in your eyes, visit your optometrist. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
If it’s dry eye disease, your optometrist will likely recommend:
- Eye drops, either prescription or over-the-counter, which you can use during dry eye flare-ups to find relief
- Warm compresses, which you can use several times a day to open the oil-producing glands and reduce inflammation
- Special medications designed to address the underlying cause of your symptoms and promote healthy tear production
Your optometrist will tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs. This way, you’ll be able to find quick, lasting relief from your dry eyes.
IPL For Dry Eye Disease
Sometimes, you may need a more advanced approach to treating dry eye disease. If our team thinks this is the case, we’ll likely recommend OptiLight IPL by Lumenis.
IPL, or intense pulsed light, is a safe and non-invasive therapy approach to managing dry eyes. It’s particularly helpful for cases caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. IPL uses precise pulses of light to reduce inflammation in the eyelids and eye’s surface to improve your overall tear quality.
By targeting the root cause of your inflammation, IPL offers a way to find long-lasting relief from dry eyes. It’s a simple, safe, and comfortable procedure designed to reduce irritation and discomfort. It’s an excellent way to address dry eyes!
Find Relief From Dry, Irritated Eyes
Dry eyes can make life frustrating and irritating. However, early treatment can make all the difference in the world—and our team at Eyes on Westlake is here for you. With our dry eye treatments, you can reduce the risk of long-term vision damage while finding lasting relief from dry eyes. Book your appointment with our team today to find a treatment plan that’s right for you!
