Dry eye syndrome (DES), which is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is the condition of having dry eyes. It simply means that your eyes do not have enough tears required to moisturize or lubricate them. There are different causes of dry eyes, from starring unceasingly at digital devices such as computers, smartphones, or iPads to other natural causes. So, can I go blind if I leave my dry eye untreated?

Symptoms of dry eyes

You will experience the following discomforts if you are suffering from dry eyes:

• Itching
• redness in your eyes
• A gritty feeling
• Being very sensitive to light
• Blurred vision
• Feeling like there is a mote in your eyes
• Production of too many tears

Causes of dry eyes

There are different causes of dry eyes: Some are natural, others are artificial. You may have dry eyes …

• If you are addicted to digital devices such as computers, iPads, smartphones, and the others. Starring continuously at their screens may prevent you from blinking every 10 seconds. Normally, people are expected to blink every 10 seconds for their eyes to release a tear film that moisturizes their eyes. But excessive use of digital devices prevents this from occurring.
• As you go through the aging process
• If you have diseases that prevent your eyelids from closing as they should while sleeping
• If you are taking some medicines/drugs like antihistamines which produce some side effects
• If you have diseases such as collagen vascular diseases, Sjogren’s Syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis that hinders the production of tears in your eyes

How to treat your dry eyes

If you are diagnosed as having dry eyes, with the guidance of your physician, you may use any of the treatments below:

• Using appropriate artificial teardrops and ointments
• Undergoing a temporary punctual occlusion, which means that the punctum through which your tears got drained away is closed
• Using a Lipiflow, which is a device that utilizes pressure and heat to liberate blocked glands on your eyelids
• Applying a testosterone cream on your eyes to supply the needed testosterone in the oil gland of your eyelids
• Using drops such as Cyclosporine, Lifitegrast, and steroid eye drops

Can I go blind if my dry eyes are untreated?

Yes, you can! There are two major complications that can arise from untreated dry eyes. These include:

• Corneal inflammation: The cornea, which is the eye’s window, can develop keratitis, a serious inflammation that can cause a blinding ulcer to grow on your cornea. This can cause permanent damage to your eyesight.
• Conjunctivitis: The conjunctiva, the layer that covers the white part of your eyes, can become inflamed if your dry eyes are left untreated. Hence, chronic conjunctivitis, caused by a virus or bacteria, can permanently impair your vision.