Can untreated dry eye cause longterm consequences or is treatment just for comfort? i don't realize eyes are dry from cpap mask & meds. no sjogren's.

Rare: Eye dryness comes from a variety of eye, systemic and environmental sources including age. If yours is mild (no effect on vision, a little redness, no other diseases) there are no consequences. If really severe, (bad sjogrens, stevens-johnson, chemotherapy) then the untreated eye can disturb the vision and actually grow a membrane over the cornea blocking vision. See you ophthalmologist.

Can cause damage: Untreated dry eyes can cause irritation and damage to your cornea and conjunctiva, if the condition gets bad enough. And your vision will be affected as well. So treatment is for more than just comfort.

Yes: Dry eye can cause long term problems such as corneal clouding. It can also make you more susceptible to infection.

Dry eye: Untreated dry eye can progress over time if not treated early. Early on, dry eye can just be irritating but as it progresses it may lead to pain or decreased vision. I would start artificial tears, ointment at night, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements. If no improvement, i would see an eye doctor experienced in dry eye for further evaluation.