While dry eye can cause vision changes or impairments in severe, untreated cases, it rarely leads to total vision loss.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to stay properly lubricated, leading to irritation and light sensitivity. If left untreated, dry eye can result in complications. In severe cases, dry eye can damage the eye’s surface or lead to infections. These complications have the potential to cause partial vision loss or even blindness.
With our team at Dr. Bittel Optometry, we’ll explore the potential long-term effects of untreated dry eye and the various treatments available to help manage this condition.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Dry Eye
Chronic dry eye is more than scratchy, irritated eyes; it can lead to more severe complications over time. When your eyes are constantly dry, your body tries to compensate by producing poor-quality tears, leading to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface. This can result in corneal abrasions, ulcers, and even scarring, all of which may impair your vision.
In more severe cases, untreated dry eye can contribute to developing other eye conditions, such as infections. Tears play a crucial role in washing away debris and protecting your eyes from harmful bacteria. Without adequate tear production, your eyes become more susceptible to infections, further damaging your vision.
The longer you allow dry eye symptoms to persist, the more likely you will experience a decline in your overall eye health. Consistent irritation and inflammation can lead to persistent discomfort, making everyday activities like reading or working on a computer increasingly difficult.
Can Dry Eye Cause Permanent Vision Changes?
Dry eye rarely leads to complete vision loss, but it can cause vision changes or impairments if left untreated. The damage caused by chronic inflammation can result in cornea scarring, which can affect vision clarity. Over time, this scarring can become severe enough to interfere with one’s ability to see clearly, making it crucial to address dry eye symptoms early on.
In rare cases, complications from untreated dry eye, such as corneal ulcers or severe infections, can lead to vision loss. These conditions can cause damage that is not easily reversible, highlighting the importance of early intervention and treatment.
Additionally, those who suffer from other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts, may find that untreated, dry eye exacerbates their symptoms or complicates their treatment. For example, dry eyes can make it more challenging to undergo eye surgeries or recover from them, potentially affecting the outcome of such procedures.
Dry Eye Treatments
Radiofrequency (RF) & Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
Dry eye disease is often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction and inflammation, leading to symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, and fluctuating vision. Radiofrequency (RF) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy are advanced treatments that target the root causes of dry eye, offering relief and improving tear production.
- Radiofrequency Therapy (RF): RF therapy uses controlled heat to stimulate the meibomian glands in the eyelids. These glands produce the oil layer of the tear film, which helps stabilize tears and keep the eyes moist. RF therapy promotes better oil production by gently heating the eyelid area, reducing dryness and irritation while improving overall tear quality.
- Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL): IPL therapy targets the blood vessels along the eyelid margins, which contribute to inflammation. By delivering precise pulses of light, IPL reduces inflammation, eliminates bacteria, and helps clear blockages in the meibomian glands. This therapy can significantly reduce symptoms like redness, irritation, and excessive tearing, leading to more precise and comfortable vision.
Envision by InMode is a non-surgical treatment for dry eyes that utilizes both RF and IPL technology. It can significantly improve tear production and alleviate dry eye symptoms, ultimately enhancing your vision and quality of life. We strive to help you find relief from the many symptoms of dry eye, including burning, stinging, watering, fluctuating vision, contact lens intolerance, redness, and, of course, dryness. Our team is always looking for new ways to manage dry eyes. Contact us to request your appointment today.
Oasis Punctal Plugs
Oasis punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into your tear ducts to help your eyes retain more moisture. They work by slowing down tear drainage, keeping your eyes better lubricated and easing dry eye symptoms. Punctal plugs are a safe and effective way to manage dry eye, and they’re available in both temporary and semi-permanent options so we can find the right fit for your needs.
HydroEye Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3 supplements are more than just a trend—research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids in coldwater fish, nuts, and oils play a vital role in maintaining eye health. They’re a great addition to your daily vitamins, offering broad support for your body. We carry high-quality HydroEye omega-3 supplements in our office, ensuring you have access to a trusted source for your eye health needs.
Lid & Lash Care Products
To keep your eyelids clean and healthy, we highly recommend We Love Eyes products. They use clean ingredients, like tea tree oil and yucca root extract, to ensure gentle yet effective care. Our clinic carries some of their products, so you can easily add them to your eye care routine when you stop by.
Oasis Rest & Relief Masks
We recommend the Oasis Rest & Relief mask for at-home dry eye relief. This soft, comfortable mask is filled with silica beads that you can heat and place over your eyes to help soften and clear any oil blockages. If you’re interested, let us know, and we can set you up with one to take home.
Do I Have Dry Eyes?
Dry eye symptoms can vary, but some common signs include:
- Persistent dryness, burning, or itching
- A gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes
- Excessive tearing, which is your eyes’ response to irritation
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
Many factors can contribute to dry eye, including age, prolonged screen time, environmental conditions, or certain medications. It’s important to identify the cause to address the condition effectively, which you can do with the help of an eye care professional.
Find Relief from Dry Eyes
Dry eye is a manageable condition, especially with the right treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, don’t wait until it affects your vision. Contact Dr. Bittel Optometry to find relief and protect your eye health today.
