Understanding the Risks
Dry eyes can be more than just an occasional annoyance—they can seriously affect your quality of life and, in rare cases, your long-term vision. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness (Vision Problems)?”, you’re not alone.
At OptimEyes, we believe in “Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation”, thus helping you stay informed and proactive when it comes to eye health. We’ve been providing individualised eyecare for over 30 years, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our patients get the vision they deserve.
As a Sydney-based full-scope independent optometrist in Northern Beaches, we help people of every age enjoy healthy vision, whether that’s through providing comprehensive consultations, or behavioural vision care.
In this article, we’ll break down the symptoms, risks, and common causes of dry eye syndrome, and explain when it’s time to seek help—so you can keep your eyes feeling fresh and your vision clear.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye is a chronic condition and is one of the most common issues affecting vision worldwide, impacting around 8% of women and 3% of men. As we get older, we’re more likely to be affected by dry eye syndrome, and this percentage increases.
Our eyes need lubrication. Tears provide moisture which is necessary for our comfort, and also to ensure that we can see well.
If, for whatever reason, your eyes don’t have enough lubrication then this is known as dry eye syndrome. This might mean a scratchy, itchy feeling in your eyes, redness, or the sensation that there is something stuck in your eye.
So, can chronic dry eye cause blindness? In most cases, dry eye can be easily treated. However, if left untreated, this condition can lead to serious consequences for our vision.
What causes dry eye?
1. Reduced tear production :
As we age or due to conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or diabetes, our eyes may stop producing enough tears to stay properly lubricated.
2. Increased tear evaporation :
Blocked oil glands in the eyelids (like in Meibomian gland dysfunction) can cause your tears to dry up too fast, leaving your eyes feeling parched.
3. Environmental triggers :
Wind, smoke, dry air, or too much screen time can all dry out your eyes by reducing how often you blink or speeding up evaporation.
4. Hormonal changes :
Hormone shifts—especially during menopause or pregnancy—can affect tear quality and quantity, making dry eye more common in women.
5. Medications :
Common medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure tablets can mess with tear production as a side effect.
6. Contact lenses :
Wearing contact lenses, especially for long hours, can disrupt the tear film and lead to dryness and discomfort.
7. Eye surgery
Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can temporarily or permanently affect tear production and eye sensitivity.
Common issues leading to dry eye
– Diet and nutritional deficiency :
Some of the most common causes (including inflammation, poor tear quality, or inadequate tear production) can be helped by making dietary adjustments.
One of the best things you can do for your vision (and for your health in general) is to make sure you’re getting proper nutrition.
This means high quality protein, seeds and beans, and lots of water in cooking—think soups and stews. It’s also highly beneficial to include the following in your diet :
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Eggs, butter, milk, and cheese
- Yogurt, tofu, and tempeh
- Mackerel, sardines, oysters, mussels, clams, squid, kelp, and spirulina
- Zucchini, squash, potato, sweet potato, beetroot, and mushrooms
- Flaxseed oil and almond oil
- Apple, banana, mango, and coconut
You should limit dry, bitter, and pungent foods like chilli, wasabi, coffee, tea, vinegar, citrus, and pickles. And of course, eliminate alcohol and cigarettes.
– Genetic factors :
Sometimes, dry eye just runs in the family. If your parents or siblings have struggled with it, chances are you might be more prone too.
While we can’t change our genes, knowing you’re genetically predisposed can help you stay on top of symptoms and be more proactive with prevention and care.
– Environmental and lifestyle factors
If you ever feel like your eyes are extra dry after a day at the computer or when the air-con’s been blasting, that’s not your imagination. Things like screen time, windy weather, low humidity, and even long hours in heated or air-conditioned spaces can all dry out your eyes.
Add to that things like not blinking enough (which can happen when we’re focused on a task), or wearing contacts for too long, and it’s no wonder your eyes feel tired and scratchy.
Small tweaks—like using a humidifier, taking screen breaks, or switching up your contact lens routine—can make a big difference.
Symptoms and warning signs
Dry eye can sneak up on you, and a lot of people don’t even realise they have it until it starts seriously impacting their day-to-day.
When it comes to your eye health, it’s imperative that you stay vigilant.
Here are some signs of dry eye to watch for :
- A gritty, scratchy feeling like there’s sand or dust in your eye
- Stinging or burning
- Redness, or bloodshot eyes, especially at the end of the day
- Watery eyes—this might sound counterintuitive but your eyes sometimes overcompensate by flooding themselves with reflex tears
- Blurry vision, especially after screen time or reading
- Light sensitivity
- Tired, heavy eyes, like your eyes are working overtime to stay open
- Struggling with contacts—if your lenses suddenly feel uncomfortable or dry, this could be why
You are the best judge of how your eyes should feel, so if something feels off—dry, irritated, or blurry—it’s worth getting checked out. The earlier you catch dry eye syndrome, the easier it is to treat.
How dry eye affects vision
If dry eye is left untreated over time, it can lead to scratches or scarring on the cornea.
Everyday activities like reading, driving, or spending time on screens can also become more difficult—and even uncomfortable—since dry eyes often lead to blurry vision.
Dry eyes can cause blindness in rare and extreme cases, but it is far more common for your vision to be moderately impacted.
So, how can severe dry eyes cause blindness?
Dry eyes increase your risk of eye infections. That’s because your tears do more than just keep your eyes moist—they help protect against germs.
When tear production is reduced or not working properly, your eyes lose some of that natural defence, making infections more likely.
Can dry eye lead to permanent vision loss?
Can dry eye disease cause blindness?
It’s natural to be concerned, but in most cases, dry eye is highly treatable.
However, although uncommon and unlikely, dry eye can cause blindness if left untreated, as an exacerbated condition may lead to a damaged cornea.
A scarred cornea could cause partial, complete, or even permanent vision loss.
How to treat dry eyes
Although common and mild in most cases, it’s essential to seek treatment for dry eye.
This is important for the health of your eyes and vision, and for your comfort. Long-term dry eye can make everyday life more challenging than it needs to be.
Your optometrist will be able to provide you with a specific plan for your dry eyes, but in general, dry eye is treated in the following ways :
1. Artificial tears, gels, or ointments :
These over-the-counter drops or gels help keep your eyes moist by mimicking your natural tears. They’re great for quick relief, especially if your symptoms are mild or occasional.
2. Punctal eye plugs for dry eye :
Tiny plugs are inserted into your tear ducts to help keep more moisture on your eyes instead of draining away. It’s a simple, non-invasive option that can make a big difference for chronic dry eye.
3. Thermal Pulsation Therapy (IPL and LipiFlow) :
These high-tech treatments use gentle heat and massage to unclog blocked oil glands in your eyelids, improving the quality of your tear film. It’s especially helpful for people with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
4. Heat treatments for dry eye :
Warm compresses or heated eye masks can help loosen up any blockages in your eyelid glands and improve tear flow. While not a permanent solution, this can be a soothing at-home treatment.
5. Diet recommendations for dry eye relief :
A diet rich in omega-3s, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich foods can support tear production and reduce inflammation. Focus on fatty fish, flaxseeds, leafy greens, and lots of water.
6. Dry eye supplements and vitamins :
Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and lutein can help nourish your eyes from the inside out. They’re a great boost if your diet isn’t hitting all the marks.
7. Blinking exercises :
Blinking plays a huge role in keeping your eyes healthy—especially if you wear contact lenses. A proper, full blink helps refresh the tear film on your eyes, which is essential for clear vision and comfort.
It’s not about how often you blink, but how well you do it: the best blinks are gentle, complete (where your top and bottom lids meet), and quick—taking just 0.4 seconds. Poor blinking habits can lead to dry eyes and even make contact lenses feel uncomfortable or shift around.
You can train yourself to blink better with a simple daily exercise: gently close your eyes, pause, open them slightly wider than normal, and repeat.
Call OptimEyes today
While most cases of dry eye aren’t dangerous, ignoring the signs can lead to bigger problems down the track—including, in very rare cases, permanent damage to your vision. The good news is that dry eye is manageable, and early treatment makes all the difference.
At OptimEyes, we’re here to help you keep your eyes healthy for the long haul—whether that’s through regular checkups, early detection, or tailored treatment plans. If something doesn’t feel quite right with your eyes, don’t wait.
Book an appointment and take that first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
