Do your eyes keep watering all the time? You might think it’s due to allergies or a change in the weather, but there’s another possible explanation: dry eye. It may sound strange, but watery eyes are a common symptom of dry eye. In this post, we’ll talk about the surprising connection between dry eyes and excessive tearing and share tips for finding relief.
How does dry eye lead to watery eyes?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or your tears evaporate too quickly. It can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including redness, irritation, burning, itching, and, of course, watery eyes.
Without enough tears, your eyes can become dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. In response, your eyes may produce more tears to compensate for the dryness, leading to watery eyes. This is called reflex tearing, but these tears are typically of poor quality and can’t lubricate your eyes properly, leading to more irritation and inflammation.
What causes dry eye?
Many factors can lead to dry eye, including:
- Aging
- Staring at screens too often
- Certain medical conditions
- Hormonal changes
- Wearing contact lenses for too long
- Taking certain medications like antihistamines and pain relievers
Your eye doctor can figure out what’s causing your dry eyes and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Treatment for dry eye
Treatment options for dry eye may include:
- Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops
- Lifestyle changes like using a humidifier
- Avoiding certain environmental triggers
- Taking breaks when staring at screens
In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend more advanced treatments like light therapy. Another option is punctal plugs, which block your tear drainage ducts to prevent your tears from draining.
Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear can also help keep your eyes moist by protecting them from wind and debris. If your dry eye symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
Find out what’s causing your watery eyes
If you’re dealing with watery eyes or other symptoms of dry eye, don’t suffer in silence. Our team of experienced eye doctors can diagnose the cause of your dry eye and recommend the best treatment options for you. Schedule your eye exam in Tinley Park today.
