Common Questions About Dry Eye

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurry Vision?

Yes, dry eyes can cause intermittent blurry vision, especially when blinking or after extended screen use. If your vision improves temporarily when you blink, that’s often a sign your tear film is unstable, which is common with dry eye.

Is There a Cure for Dry Eyes?

There’s no one-size-fits-all “cure,” but for most people, dry eye can be managed with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Many patients experience significant and lasting relief when we address the root cause, whether that’s MGD, inflammation, or lifestyle factors.

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blindness?

This is a common concern, and the short answer is: dry eye won’t cause blindness in most people. However, if left untreated, severe dry eye can lead to infections, corneal damage, and scarring, which may impact your vision over time.

Why Did My Dry Eye Start All of a Sudden?

Dry eye symptoms can come on quickly due to:

• Sudden weather changes (especially dry winter air)
• Starting a new medication
• Increased screen time
• Illness or inflammation
• Recent eye surgery or contact lens overuse

Our dry eye exams help determine whether your condition is temporary or part of a larger chronic issue, such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

How is Dry eye Diagnosed?

At Richmond Hill Optometric Clinic, we use:

• Detailed symptom review and lifestyle assessment
• Non-invasive tear film analysis
• Meibography (to assess gland health)
• Staining tests to check eye surface damage
• This helps us pinpoint the cause and build a personalized care plan.

Should I See an Optometrist for Dry Eye?

Your family doctor may recommend over-the-counter drops, but optometrists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat dry eye, especially when it’s ongoing or interfering with your daily life.

If you’re dealing with dry eye symptoms more than occasionally, book a dry eye evaluation with us. We’re here to help.

Can Dry Eye be Confused for Allergies?

Yes, dry eye is often mistaken for allergies, especially because the symptoms can overlap: redness, itching, watering, and general discomfort. But the underlying causes differ, and so do the treatments.

Allergies usually involve itchiness, swelling, and seasonal patterns.
Dry eye tends to feel more like burning, grittiness, or a sensation of "tired" eyes.

Is There Anything I Can Do at Home?

Yes! While in-office treatment may be needed for chronic dry eye, there are simple things you can do at home to support your eyes:

• Use a humidifier during the winter to add moisture to dry indoor air
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using screens: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Apply warm compresses to your eyelids daily
• Gently clean your eyelid margins to reduce bacteria and inflammation
• Stay hydrated and consider adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet
• Wear sunglasses when outside in cold, windy weather to protect your eyes

Can Dry Eye Get Worse in Winter?

Yes, and it often does, especially here in Richmond Hill. The combination of cold air, low humidity, indoor heating, and increased screen time can dry out your tear film more quickly than usual.