Have you ever looked through a foggy windshield or tried to see clearly through smeared glasses? That’s often how people with dry eye describe their vision—blurry, hazy, or filmy, even when their glasses or contact lens prescriptions are up to date. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, there’s a good chance you could benefit from dry eye treatment near you.
In this blog, we’ll explore what dry eye vision looks and feels like, why it happens, and what treatments can help you see clearly and comfortably again.
How dry eyes affect vision
Dry eye syndrome can significantly affect how well you see. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears, your vision can become:
- Blurry or fluctuating, especially during tasks like reading or working at a computer
- Filmy or foggy, making everything appear less sharp
- Light sensitive, with glare or halos around lights, especially at night
- Irritated and watery, which might seem contradictory, but is often a response to dryness
- Tired or strained, especially by the end of the day
These changes can be subtle at first but often get worse without treatment.
Why do dry eyes cause blurry vision?
Your tears form a protective film over the surface of your eyes, helping to maintain clarity and comfort. When that tear film is unstable or incomplete, light scatters as it enters your eye. That distortion leads to visual symptoms like blur, glare, or fluctuating focus.
You might notice that your vision improves temporarily after blinking or using artificial tears. This is another clue that dry eye could be the underlying cause.
Not all blurry vision is due to dry eye
Other eye conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to rule out issues like refractive errors, cataracts, or corneal disease. During your visit, our eye doctor will evaluate the quality of your tear film and the health of your eyelids and oil glands—key factors in diagnosing dry eye.
Can contact lenses make dry eye worse?
In some cases, yes. Contact lenses can disrupt the tear film and contribute to dryness, especially if they’re worn for long hours or do not fit properly. But that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them.
At Southern Eye Centers, we offer specialty contact lenses and scleral lenses that are designed for people with dry eyes. These lenses provide a reservoir of moisture over the eye surface and can improve both comfort and vision for many patients.
Advanced dry eye treatments that make a difference
If over-the-counter drops aren’t helping, it might be time for a different approach. Southern Eye Centers provides advanced in-office treatments that get to the root of the problem:
- MiBo Thermoflo: A gentle thermal massage that melts hardened oils in the eyelid glands, improving tear quality
- LidPro: A professional eyelid cleaning system that removes debris and biofilm that may contribute to inflammation
- OptiLight IPL Therapy: FDA-approved light-based therapy that treats inflammation and helps restore healthy tear production
Each of these options is tailored to the underlying cause of your dry eye.
Clearer vision starts with the right care
If you’re tired of dealing with foggy vision, watery eyes, or constant irritation, it may be time to explore your options for dry eye treatment. Our experienced optometrists in Plaquemine and Baton Rouge will figure out what’s causing your symptoms and create a personalized plan to restore your eye comfort and clarity.
Schedule an appointment today to find out what’s behind your discomfort and discover effective treatment options.