Dry eyes and blurry vision are symptoms of dry eye syndrome, a preventable and treatable condition with home remedies and OTC or prescription options. Blurry vision with dry eye could indicate an underlying health condition.

Dry eyes and blurry vision are two uncomfortable symptoms that can sometimes go hand in hand. Chronic dry eye is a common eye condition affecting over 16 million Americans every year.

Blurry vision can be a symptom of dry eye. But having dry eyes and blurry vision can also mean another health condition is present.

Dry eyes and blurry vision are both symptoms of a condition called dry eye syndrome. Other common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

Blurry vision doesn’t cause dry eyes. When blurry vision occurs with dry eye, it can indicate the presence of other health conditions, including lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome.

Several factors can cause dry eyes and blurry vision:

  • Excessive screen time can make blurry vision and dry eye symptoms more likely.
  • Contact lens use can trigger dry eyes and blurry vision.
  • Dehydration can lead to decreased tear production.
  • Your tears may dry too quickly to keep your eyes lubricated.
  • You have a dietary insufficiency, such as vitamin A deficiency.
  • An underlying autoimmune health condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause dry eye to develop.
  • Certain medications cause dry eye symptoms as a side effect.

You can treat dry eyes and blurry vision in several ways:

  • Eye drops: First line treatment for chronic dry eye is typically over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, called artificial tears. If OTC options don’t manage your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength option.
  • Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking or vaping (or trying a smoking cessation program), reducing screen time, and drinking more water may help hydrate your eyes.
  • Nutritional supplements: Vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids can decrease inflammation and contribute to overall eye health.
  • Home remedies: Applying a warm compress and resting your eyes for hours at a time are just some of the home remedies you can use to manage dry eye symptoms.

When to see an eye doctor

You should seek treatment from an eye care specialist if you experience:

  • yellow or green discharge coming from your eye, indicating an infection
  • weeping from your eye that you can’t stop or control
  • headache, nausea, or fever that appears along with blurry vision or eye pain
  • frequent headaches
  • consistent difficulty seeing things at a distance or close up

To prevent symptoms of dry eye:

  • Limit your screen time each day.
  • Drink plenty of water, aiming for eight eight-ounce glasses every day.
  • Avoid smoky or dry environments.
  • Get enough sleep, about 7 to 8 hours nightly.
  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to your environment.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun glare.

If you have contacts

If you have contact lenses, you may need to take additional steps to manage and prevent dry eye. Choose a contact lens that’s manufactured with dry eye in mind, and choose a contact solution that your doctor recommends for dry eye.

Make sure you change your contact lenses as often as recommended to keep your eyes lubricated.

Dry eyes and blurry vision can be symptoms of chronic dry eye. Chronic dry eye is treatable and preventable, and many options for lifestyle changes and home remedies can help manage your symptoms.

If you’re concerned about dry eye and blurry vision, you should make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss treatment options and possible underlying conditions.