Yes, dry eye can cause blurry vision. When your eyes are not properly lubricated due to insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation, the surface of the eye can become irregular or uneven. This can lead to changes in the way light is refracted as it enters the eye, resulting in blurry or distorted vision.
Dry eye-related blurry vision may be more pronounced when you're performing tasks that require prolonged visual focus, such as reading, using a computer, or driving. The blurriness might fluctuate throughout the day or worsen in certain environments, such as dry or windy conditions. We often ask patients, does your vision fluctuate when you blink? If so, that raises the suspicions of dry eye causing the issue.
Additionally, dry eye can affect the quality of the tear film, which is crucial for maintaining a smooth and clear ocular surface. An unstable tear film can lead to temporary changes in vision due to light scattering and distortion caused by uneven tear distribution.
If you experience persistent blurry vision, especially in conjunction with other dry eye symptoms like irritation, redness, and discomfort, come see us, we can help!