Many people assume occasional dryness, grittiness, or redness will resolve on its own. However, ignoring these symptoms can lead to ongoing discomfort and affect how you see and experience daily life.
Early evaluation and dry eye treatment can relieve irritation, protect your eyes, and improve comfort. In this blog, we’ll explore what can happen if dry eye symptoms go untreated and highlight the options available to restore healthy vision.
Discomfort that worsens over time
Dry eye often starts subtly, but it can become more noticeable if left untreated. You may notice burning, stinging, or a feeling like something is in your eyes.
Worsening dry eye symptoms can make it challenging to read, use screens, drive, or wear contact lenses. With professional care, you can improve comfort and prevent your symptoms from interfering with your daily routine.
Higher risk of eye infections
Tears are crucial for keeping your eyes clean and free from bacteria. Chronic dryness reduces this natural defense, increasing your susceptibility to infections. Regular comprehensive eye exams allow our optometrists to monitor your eye health, catch problems early, and prevent complications before they become serious.
Potential damage to the surface of your eyes
Untreated dry eye can lead to long-term changes to the cornea and conjunctiva, including inflammation, irritation, or scratches. Advanced dry eye treatments like OptiLight intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, MiBo Thermoflo, and LidPro can help rebuild a healthy tear layer and reduce the risk of lasting damage, enhancing both comfort and vision.
Irritation when wearing contact lenses
Dry eyes can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable or even impossible. Glasses may provide temporary relief, but long-term dryness can interfere with your visual clarity.
Scleral lenses create a protective cushion of moisture over your eyes. This not only increases comfort but also improves vision for people with chronic dry eye or irregular corneas.
Risks to your eye health
Ignoring dry eye can contribute to chronic inflammation and complicate other eye conditions over time. By addressing symptoms early, our optometrists in Baton Rouge and Plaquemine can track changes and offer treatments that prevent worsening problems.
Protect your eyes and feel better every day
Taking action now can help reduce dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Advanced treatments and specialty contact lenses can restore moisture, improve visual clarity, and make everyday activities more enjoyable.
Schedule an appointment at Southern Eye Centers today to receive personalized dry eye treatment and enjoy healthier, more comfortable eyes every day.
