Do dry eyes affect vision​?

Dry eyes are very common.
Many people think dry eyes only cause discomfort.

But a common question is:

“Do dry eyes affect vision?”

The answer is yes.
Dry eyes can change how clearly you see.

In this blog, we explain:

• How dry eyes affect vision
• Why vision may come and go
• Common signs to watch for
• How dry eye is treated
• When to seek help

What are dry eyes?

Dry eye happens when:

• Your eyes do not make enough tears
• Or your tears dry too fast

Tears are important.
They:

• Keep eyes smooth
• Protect the surface
• Help you see clearly

When tears do not work well, vision can suffer.

How do dry eyes affect vision?

Dry eyes can make vision:

• Blurry
• Hazy
• Unclear

This blur often:

• Comes and goes
• Feels worse when reading
• Gets worse on screens
• Improves after blinking

This happens because the tear film is uneven.

Why are tears important for clear vision?

Tears form a smooth layer on the eye.

This layer:

• Helps light enter the eye evenly
• Keeps vision sharp

When tears are unstable:

• Light scatters
• Vision becomes blurry

This is why dry eye blur is not constant.

Common vision problems caused by dry eyes

Dry eyes may cause:

• Blurry vision
• Double vision that comes and goes
• Trouble focusing
• Tired eyes
• Vision that clears after blinking

These signs often improve with treatment.

Why does vision change during the day?

Many people notice:

• Vision is clear in the morning
• Vision worsens later in the day

This can happen because:

• Tears dry out over time
• Screen use reduces blinking
• Air heating or wind dries eyes

Resting the eyes can help.

Can dry eyes cause watery eyes?

Yes.

This may sound confusing, but:

• Dry eyes can cause watering

The eyes send a signal for more tears.
These tears are watery and do not fix dryness.

Watery eyes can still mean dry eye.

Can dry eyes cause double vision?

Yes, in some cases.

Dry eyes can cause:

• Temporary double vision
• Shadowing of letters

This often:

• Comes and goes
• Improves with blinking or drops

If double vision is constant, seek advice.

Can dry eyes affect night vision?

Yes.

Dry eyes may cause:

• Glare from lights
• Halos
• Trouble driving at night

This happens when the tear film is uneven.

Who is more likely to have vision problems from dry eyes?

Dry eyes are more common in:

• People over 40
• Screen users
• Contact lens wearers
• People after eye surgery
• People with hormone changes

Vision symptoms are common in these groups.

Can dry eye affect reading and screen use?

Yes.

Dry eyes may cause:

• Blurry words
• Eye strain
• Frequent blinking
• Trouble concentrating

Taking screen breaks can help.

How is dry eye diagnosed?

At My Eye Clinic, dry eye assessment may include:

• Tear film checks
• Eyelid health checks
• Symptom review

This helps find the right treatment.

How is dry eye treated?

Treatment depends on the cause.

Common options include:

• Dry eye drops
• Warm eye masks
• Eyelid cleaning
• Lifestyle changes
• In-clinic treatments

The goal is to improve comfort and vision.

Can dry eye treatment improve vision?

Yes.

When the tear film improves:

• Vision becomes clearer
• Blur happens less often
• Eyes feel more comfortable

Many people notice better focus.

When should you seek help?

You should seek advice if:

• Blurry vision comes and goes
• Vision worsens during the day
• Drops do not help
• Eyes feel sore or tired

Dry eye is treatable.

Why choose My Eye Clinic in Gosforth?

At My Eye Clinic, we:

• Understand dry eye and vision
• Use modern testing
• Create clear care plans
• Focus on comfort and clarity

We aim to improve how your eyes feel and see.

Take the dry eye suitability self-test

If dry eyes are affecting your vision, help is available.

Take our quick dry eye suitability self-test to see if a dry eye assessment may be right for you.