You may notice your vision getting a little hazy after a few hours of working on the computer. Maybe blinking a few times helps, but fluctuating blurriness can still be frustrating, leaving you to wonder what’s causing the change.
Dry eyes are actually a common cause of blurry vision. When the surface of your eye lacks the right amount of moisture, this can directly affect how clearly you see the world. Your optometrist can assess your eyes and determine the cause of your discomfort.
The Link Between Dry Eyes & Blurry Vision
To see clearly, you need a smooth, stable layer of tears covering the surface of your eyes. Think of your tear film like a clean window pane—when it’s even, light passes through without a problem. However, when your eyes are dry, your tear film becomes patchy and uneven.
This creates a rough surface that scatters light before it can focus properly at the back of your eye. The result is vision that looks blurry, foggy, or hazy, almost like you’re looking through a smudged lens.
How to Tell If Dry Eyes Cause Your Blur
Blurry vision from dry eyes often feels different from other vision issues. It tends to come and go, and you might notice other sensations that point to dryness as the root cause.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Vision that gets blurry after long periods of reading or screen time
- Blurriness that temporarily clears up after you blink
- A gritty, scratchy, or burning feeling in your eyes
- Redness or general irritation
- Watery eyes—this can be your eyes’ reflex to severe dryness
How Long Can the Blurriness Last?
For many people, blurriness related to dry eye is temporary. It might last for a few minutes or a few hours, depending on what you’re doing and the environment around you.
If your vision stays blurry for long, consistent periods, then it’s less likely that dry eye is the cause, and we suggest that you visit your optometrist.
Simple Ways to Find Relief at Home
You can often manage mild, dry eye-related blurriness with a few adjustments to your daily routine. These habits help support a healthier tear film, which can lead to more comfortable and consistent vision.
Try These 5 Tips
- Use Artificial Tears: Look for preservative-free lubricating eye drops to help refresh your eyes’ moisture throughout the day.
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: When using digital screens, practice the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Add Humidity: A humidifier in your home or office can add moisture to the air, helping to slow down the evaporation from your eyes.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your whole body, including your eyes, function well.
- Wear Protective Eyewear: Fashionable sunglasses or glasses can shield your eyes from wind and sun that can make dryness worse.
When Blurry Vision Is a Red Flag
While temporary blurriness from dry eye is common, some types of blurry vision can point to other issues. It’s helpful to know which symptoms are considered potential eye emergencies.
Look Out for These Signs
- Blurry vision that appears suddenly and doesn’t go away
- Blurriness paired with eye pain, flashes of light, or new floaters
- Vision changes after an injury to your head or eye
- Blurry vision along with a severe headache or dizziness
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see an eye care professional right away.
Get a Clear Picture of Your Eye Health
If persistent blurriness is affecting your day, a comprehensive eye exam is the next step. With locations on Oliver Road and in Centennial Square Plaza, our Thunder Bay eye doctors can help identify the cause and guide you toward clearer, more comfortable vision.Our team at Ham’s Superior Vision Centre is ready to help you find answers and get your vision back on track, so request an appointment today.
