Can Dry Eye Cause Blindness? Eye Doctor Explains

If you have dry eye disease, you may be wondering what the most severe complications can be from it. While dry eye disease can cause severe degrees of vision loss and could lead to functional vision loss, it would be extremely rare and uncommon for this disease to cause blindness. In this article, we will look at the ways that dry eye diseae can be severely damaging to your vision.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Many people have dry eyes. It is a common eye condition that affects millions of people around the world. In fact, dry eye disease is becoming more and more common around the world. This is because of increased screen time that has lead to decreased blink rates. 

Also, dry eye is increasing because of an increase in allergies. This is due to global warming which has caused allergy season to become longer and thus is also making dry eye more common. 

How Does Dry Eye Disease Happen?

Dry eye disease happens when the eyes don’t produce enough natural tears or when tear evaporation occurs too quickly. This can often be due to poor-quality tears or insufficient tears. Tears are essential for keeping the the surface of the eye hydrated, nourished, and protected from environmental irritants. 

The eyes’ natural tear film has three different layers. These are an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucus layer. Each of these layers plays a critical role in keeping your eyes moist and healthy. When any of these layers is disrupted, it can lead to symptoms of dry eye.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye is a common medical condition. The symptoms of dry eye vary, but they often include having gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes, mild blurry vision, eye redness, eye irriration, watery eyes, sensitivity to light and difficulty with wearing contact lenses. 

While these symptoms can be disruptive for patients, they are not blinding symptoms. There are some long term complications of dry eye however that can lead to more severe decreased vision. 

Severe Dry Eye Symptoms And Vision Loss From Scarring

In extreme cases, chronic dry eye can lead to corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, or even corneal scarring. The cornea is the transparent front layer of the eye. Your cornea needs a healthy tear film to remain clear and smooth. 

Without sufficient tear production, the cornea becomes vulnerable to damage. While it is not common, very severe dry eye that is left untreated can lead to corneal scarring. 

Severe corneal scarring can cause vision loss. These patients may need a procedure like a corneal transplant to regain good vision. 

Diseases Associated With Severe Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease can be impacted with many different other problems and health conditions. Here are some possible causes of having more severe dry eye cases. 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oil layer of tears. This layer is important because it prevents tear evaporation. When a patient has dysfunction in these glands, it can cause evaporative dry eye.

Health Conditions

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other autoimmune disorders often lead to insufficient tear production. In more severe health conditions, like ocular pemphigoid or Steven Johnsons, blindness is possible.

In patients who have a severe condition called Steven Johnson syndrome, the scarring and dryness can cause blindess. Blistering and scarring in this disease can cause corneal abrasions, ulcers, and even perforation. It is the severe corneal damage in this disease which can then cause severe vision loss and blindness.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal shifts, especially in women, can impact tear production. It is well known that the perimenopause and menopause transition can be drying for many parts of the body and the eye is no different. Some patients do start to experience dry eye symptoms or a worsening of their chronic dry eye syndrome during this time in their life. 

Medications

Certain prescription medications, including antihistamines and some antidepressants, can contribute to a lack of tears. In many cases these medications may be necessary for controlling your other medical conditions so it is important to talk to your doctor about them before stopping them.

Dry Eye Treatment Options And Preventive Measures

Effective treatment for dry eye disease varies based on its underlying cause. Here are some common methods to alleviate dry eye symptoms:

Artificial Tears And Eye Drops

Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide temporary relief, while prescription eye drops address specific issues related to tear production and inflammation.

Warm Compresses

Applying warm compresses to the eyes can help open meibomian glands, improving oil flow and reducing tear evaporation.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Reducing screen time, using humidifiers, and avoiding air conditioners or dry environments can reduce tear evaporation.

Prescription Medications

In severe cases of dry eye, an eye doctor may recommend prescription medications to increase tear production or reduce inflammation. Some common ones you may have heard of include drugs called Restasis, Xiidra, and Cequa.

Punctal Plugs

These small devices are inserted into the tear ducts to retain more tears on the eye’s surface, providing long-term relief.

Dietary Adjustments

There is not as much evidence to support this, but some doctors will suggest including fatty acids in your diet. There have been some studies that have linked this supplement to improved tear quality. 

Advanced Treatments For Severe Dry Eye

In rare cases, untreated dry eye disease may progress to the point where advanced treatments are necessary. Severe corneal damage, such as corneal scarring or ulcers, may require interventions like a corneal transplant to restore vision. However, these cases are uncommon and typically result from untreated, long-standing dry eye conditions.

Tips For Healthy Vision With Dry Eye Disease

The best way to avoid serious complications from dry eye disease is through early intervention and a proper diagnosis. An eye care specialist can determine the root cause of dry eye and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Regular eye exams are crucial, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, as they can help prevent permanent damage and maintain clear vision. 

The good news is that with proper care, lifestyle changes, and effective treatments, most people can manage dry eye symptoms and maintain good quality of life. If you suspect you have dry eye or are experiencing symptoms, make an appointment today to protect your long-term eye health.

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blindness: Summary

Dry eyes do not cause blindness alone. Severe dry eyes, however, can cause a dramatic reduction in vision and also reduce a person’s ability to function optimally. Dry eye treatment is extremely important so that you can maintain good vision in your daily life. The first step is to have an eye exam with an eye care professional who can evaluate the surface of your eyes properly. Proper treatment of dry eye can avoid long term complications of dry eye and prevent any vision impairment.

While dry eyes generally do not result in blindness, they can cause significant visual impairment. In rare cases, severe dry eye can lead to corneal scarring. Very bad corneal scarring can then cause vision loss. When dry eye is associated with other chronic medical conditions it can also result in more severe vision complications.