Dry eye can start as a minor annoyance—occasional grittiness, redness, or dryness—but it usually doesn’t go away on its own. Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen, affecting your daily comfort and vision.
Early evaluation and dry eye treatment can prevent long-term complications and help you feel more comfortable every day. In this blog, we explain what can happen if dry eye symptoms persist and how timely care protects your eyes.
Worsening discomfort and irritation
Ignoring dry eye often leads to more frequent and intense discomfort. What started as mild dryness or irritation can become constant burning, itching, or a feeling of something stuck in your eyes. These ongoing symptoms make reading, using screens, or wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and can interfere with daily tasks.
Increased risk of eye infections
Tears are essential for keeping your eyes clean and protecting them from bacteria. Chronic dry eye reduces this natural defense, which can increase the risk of infections. Regular monitoring during comprehensive eye exams helps prevent complications and keeps your eyes healthier over time.
Damage to the ocular surface
Persistent dry eye can gradually damage the cornea and conjunctiva, leading to scratches, inflammation, or more serious issues. Advanced treatments like intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, BlephEx®, or LipiFlow® help restore a healthy tear film and reduce the risk of permanent damage.
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Dry eyes can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable or even unbearable. Glasses may help in the short term, but ignoring dry eye symptoms can affect your visual clarity and comfort.
If you’re experiencing discomfort and dryness with contact lenses, you may need a different type of lens. Scleral lenses often provide greater comfort than standard contact lenses by creating a smooth, protective layer of moisture over the eyes.
For people with chronic dry eye or irregular corneas, scleral lenses can significantly improve both comfort and eye health. The lens design not only reduces irritation and dryness but also enhances visual clarity, making it easier to wear lenses for longer periods.
Threats to your eye health
Long-term untreated dry eye can contribute to chronic inflammation and affect your quality of life. It may also complicate other eye conditions, making future treatment more complex. Early care and regular eye exams allow our optometrists to track changes and provide solutions before problems escalate.
Healthy eyes start with early care
By addressing irritation and dryness now, you protect your eyes and help prevent long-term issues. Advanced treatment and specialty contact lenses can restore moisture, improve vision, and make everyday tasks—like reading, using screens, or wearing contact lenses—much more comfortable.
Schedule an appointment at Omaha Primary EyeCare in Elkhorn today to find the best solutions for healthier, more comfortable eyes every day.
