Blurry Vision: Is It Dry Eyes or High Eye Pressure? - Ophthalmology

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Blurry vision, especially when associated with prolonged use of contact lenses and screens, can often be attributed to dry eyes rather than high eye pressure. Given your situation, where you are frequently using contact lenses for extended periods and working on a computer, it is quite common to experience symptoms of dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, blurry vision, and sometimes even light sensitivity or halos around lights.

When you wear contact lenses for long hours, especially while staring at screens, your blink rate decreases significantly. Blinking is essential for spreading tears evenly across the surface of the eye, which keeps it moist and clear. If you are not blinking enough, your eyes can become dry, leading to temporary blurriness and discomfort. The fact that you experience a "foggy" sensation that improves after a short rest suggests that your eyes may be fatigued and not adequately lubricated.

High eye pressure, on the other hand, is often asymptomatic in the early stages and is typically detected during routine eye examinations. While elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) can be a risk factor for glaucoma, it does not usually cause immediate symptoms like blurry vision or halos. If your eye pressure were significantly elevated, you would likely experience other symptoms, such as severe headaches, eye pain, or nausea, especially if it were related to acute glaucoma.

To address your concerns, it is essential to consider the following steps:
1. Hydration and Lubrication: Use preservative-free artificial tears regularly throughout the day to keep your eyes moist. This can help alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes, especially when using contact lenses.

2. Take Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and encourages blinking.

3. Adjust Your Environment: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit and that you are not sitting in front of a bright screen for too long. Consider using anti-reflective coatings on your glasses or lenses if you wear them.

4. Consult an Eye Care Professional: If your symptoms persist despite these measures, it would be wise to consult an eye care professional. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam, including checking your tear production and measuring your eye pressure, to rule out any underlying conditions.

5. Consider Contact Lens Type: If you frequently experience dryness, you might want to explore different types of contact lenses designed for dry eyes, such as those with higher moisture content or daily disposables.

In summary, while dry eyes are likely the cause of your blurry vision and halos, it is essential to monitor your symptoms and consult with an eye care professional for a thorough evaluation. They can provide personalized recommendations and ensure that your eye health is maintained, especially given your extensive use of contact lenses and screens.