Managing Dry Eyes and Floaters: Solutions for Clearer Vision

Dry eye syndrome and floaters?

Hello, I would like to ask about my condition.
Due to dry eye syndrome, I have been experiencing blurred vision, and now I notice an increase in floaters.
They used to appear occasionally, but now I often see them in my line of sight.
Will this improve once my dry eyes are treated, or is this a permanent issue? I have already seen an ophthalmologist twice.
The first visit was to a general eye clinic where they only measured my eye pressure and did not provide any useful information.
During my second visit to the hospital, I underwent all necessary examinations, and it was confirmed that my symptoms are related to dry eyes.
I would like to know if the anti-inflammatory eye drops I was prescribed are effective.
The hospital provided refrigerated drops, while the general eye clinic gave me non-refrigerated ones, which I have been using at work.
Additionally, once I finish the artificial tears from both the eye clinic and the hospital, do you have any recommendations for other eye drops? Can I purchase artificial tears based on what the ophthalmologist or hospital recommended? Are artificial tears safe to use while wearing contact lenses? I have only used one brand, Ganlin, and have not tried any other brands.
Thank you for your help.

Lurén, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/14

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Dry eye syndrome and floaters are generally not related.
If you need to purchase artificial tears and must wear contact lenses, it is recommended to buy single-use, preservative-free artificial tears.
Most ophthalmic prescriptions for artificial tears contain preservatives, which are not advised for use while wearing contact lenses.

Reply Date: 2016/03/14

More Info

Managing dry eyes and floaters can be a challenging experience, especially when both conditions seem to exacerbate each other. Your situation, where dry eyes lead to increased floaters, is not uncommon. Let’s break down the issues and explore potential solutions.

Understanding Dry Eyes and Floaters
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to symptoms such as discomfort, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light. When your eyes are dry, the visual clarity can be compromised, which may make floaters—tiny specks or strands that drift through your field of vision—more noticeable. Floaters are typically caused by changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye, and while they are often harmless, they can be distracting.

Will Treating Dry Eyes Help with Floaters?
Improving your dry eye condition may help reduce the perception of floaters. When your eyes are adequately lubricated, the overall clarity of your vision improves, which can make floaters less bothersome. However, it’s essential to understand that treating dry eyes may not eliminate floaters entirely, especially if they are due to age-related changes in the vitreous.

Treatment Options for Dry Eyes
1. Artificial Tears: These are the first line of treatment for dry eyes. You mentioned using artificial tears, which is excellent. It’s important to choose preservative-free options, especially if you are using them frequently. Brands like Systane, Refresh, and TheraTears are popular choices. If you are wearing contact lenses, ensure that the artificial tears are compatible with lens wear.

2. Prescription Eye Drops: If over-the-counter options are not sufficient, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops, such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), which can help increase tear production.

3. Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene: Applying warm compresses can help unclog blocked oil glands in your eyelids, improving the quality of your tears. Regular eyelid hygiene can also help reduce inflammation and irritation.

4. Punctal Plugs: In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend punctal plugs, which are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and keep your eyes moist.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Staying hydrated, taking breaks during prolonged screen time, and using a humidifier can also help alleviate dry eye symptoms.

Managing Floaters
While floaters are often benign, if they suddenly increase in number or are accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your peripheral vision, you should seek immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of a retinal detachment.

1. Adaptation: Many people find that they can adapt to floaters over time. The brain often learns to ignore them, and they become less bothersome.

2. Consultation with a Specialist: If floaters are significantly impacting your quality of life, you might consider consulting a retinal specialist. In some cases, procedures like vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous gel) can be performed, but this is usually reserved for severe cases due to the associated risks.

Recommendations for Eye Drops
You mentioned using different types of eye drops. It’s crucial to follow your eye care provider’s recommendations regarding which drops to use. If you are using a prescription anti-inflammatory drop, it’s best to stick with that as directed. For artificial tears, you can try various brands, but ensure they are preservative-free if you plan to use them frequently.

Conclusion
In summary, managing dry eyes effectively can help improve your overall visual comfort and potentially reduce the perception of floaters. It’s essential to follow your eye care provider’s advice and explore the various treatment options available. If you have concerns about the effectiveness of your current treatment or the compatibility of different eye drops, don’t hesitate to reach out to your eye doctor for personalized recommendations. Remember, maintaining good eye health is a journey, and with the right approach, you can significantly improve your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dry Eyes: Symptoms, Causes, and Care Tips

Excuse me, doctor. I have floaters in my vision, and when I wake up in the morning, my eyes often feel sore and blurry. Recently, when my eyes are exposed to sunlight in the morning, they become very dry, and this has been happening for several weeks. My eyes easily feel sore and...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Your symptoms may be related to dry eye syndrome, but it is essential for a physician to make a diagnosis. Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition often accompanied by sensations of dryness, irritation, fatigue, and possibly blurred vision. It cannot be detected through...

Managing High Eye Pressure, Dry Eyes, and Floaters: What You Need to Know

I currently have a maximum intraocular pressure of 26 mmHg, so I am on medication to lower my eye pressure, as well as gel for dry eyes, occasional antihistamines for allergies, and artificial tears. I also have a significant number of floaters. My current treatment focuses on lo...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Ms. Chen: Most cases of floaters are benign changes. However, if you notice an increase in floaters, along with flashes of light, changes in your visual field, or alterations in your vision, it is important to pay special attention. Otherwise, they typically do not have any...

Understanding Eye Issues: Floaters, Flashes, and Dry Eyes Explained

Hello Doctor, thank you for answering some of my questions previously. I really appreciate it. I have floaters and wear orthokeratology lenses. I have some additional questions I would like to ask: 1. Recently, when I stare at a screen for a long time, I sometimes see a patch o...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Seeing a flash of light when staring at a screen: This situation may be related to eye fatigue or visual overstimulation. When you focus on a screen for an extended period, the photoreceptors in the retina may produce brief visual afterimages, which is a normal phenom...

How to Alleviate Dry Eyes and Visual Disturbances at Night

Doctor, I have a question. Recently, I've been experiencing double vision and glare at night, with halos around objects. However, I had a fundus examination last month, and everything was fine. What can I do to improve this condition?

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: It is possible that dry eyes and insufficient tear production are causing refractive issues. Other conditions such as astigmatism, corneal edema, and ocular discharge can also lead to similar symptoms. It is recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist for further examina...