While dry eyes can be uncomfortable, it’s important to know that having dry eyes doesn’t directly cause blindness. But, without treatment, dry eyes can lead to complications that contribute to more serious symptoms.
When your eyes don’t produce enough moisture or the right quality of tears, inflammation, irritation, and damage can occur to the surface of the eye. Over time, this can lead to conditions like corneal ulcers or infections.
Without appropriate treatment, these conditions can potentially affect your vision and, in extreme cases, cause permanent eye damage, which might affect your sight.
Dry eyes can be a symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune conditions, which can affect the overall health of your eyes. In rare cases, these conditions can cause more severe complications that could contribute to vision loss, but this isn’t the case for most people with dry eyes.
Using lubricating eye drops, avoiding irritants, and managing any underlying health conditions can help prevent long-term eye damage.
If you’re experiencing persistent dryness or discomfort, it’s important to consult with an eye doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.