Can Dry Eye Syndrome Cause Permanent Damage?

Dry eye syndrome is a health condition in which your eyes produce insufficient tears to lubricate them properly. Typically, the symptoms are mild. It can manifest through sensitivity to light and irritation.

However, untreated dry eyes can result in more severe eye complications. In extreme circumstances, dry eye syndrome can cause severe damage to your eyes. It can result in partial loss of vision or complete blindness.

Can Dry Eye Syndrome Cause Blindness?

Moderate or mild dry eye conditions are unlikely to cause permanent damage. Neither can it result in blindness, especially if you receive treatment. However, extreme cases of dry eye can cause damage to the cornea. It is the outer, clear layer of your eye. When your cornea suffers an injury, you can experience impaired vision.

Corneal damage can cause cloudy or blurry vision, which can also result in blindness. Corneal damage is the primary cause of blindness the world over.

The Long-term Effect of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result in several health complications, including:

• A higher risk of infection.
• Damage to your eyes, such as corneal ulcers and scratches. These can result in scars on the cornea.
• Diminished ability to do daily tasks like reading and driving.

Additionally, certain eye infections can result in vision complications. They include vision loss or blurry vision.

Can It Cause Permanent Damage?

Dry eye syndrome can result in permanent damage if the cornea suffers scratches. Minor scratches often heal over time. But if the scratches are severe, scars will form. It will most likely cause long-lasting vision issues.

When you experience corneal damage, your optometrist may recommend various treatments. They may include:

• Antibiotics.
• Eye patches.
• Special contact lenses.
• Eye drops or ointments.
• Autologous serum tears.
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops.

Your ophthalmologist may also recommend a corneal transplant. It can be effective if the treatments indicated above don’t work. During the surgery, all or part of the damaged cornea is removed and replaced with donor tissue. Most corneal transplants are usually successful. However, some may fail if the immune system attacks the donor tissue.

Are There Other Vision Issues Due to Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome can cause vision impairment or even blindness. The condition causes symptoms like increased tear production and sensitivity to light. Fortunately, these symptoms often go away with treatment.

Untreated or more severe dry eye syndrome conditions can result in permanent vision loss. It includes complete, permanent blindness. Talk to your optometrist immediately if you start experiencing dry eye symptoms. Starting treatment from the onset minimizes the risk of complications.

Conclusion

If dry eye syndrome goes untreated, it can lead to permanent damage, such as vision loss or blindness. You must seek medical attention if you have ongoing symptoms of the condition. Your optometrist may treat underlying causes, suggest lifestyle changes, or recommend medications. Treatment of dry eye syndrome prevents complications and worsening symptoms.

For more on the permanent damages of dry eye syndrome, visit Advanced Eyecare Consultants at our office in Libertyville or Lake Zurich, Illinois. Call 847-994-4500 or 847-438-7700 to book an appointment today.