We’ve all experienced watery eyes at some point. It’s very common and can happen for different reasons like allergies or a change in the weather. But did you know that watery eyes can also be a sign of dry eye syndrome? It might sound strange, but it’s true! In this blog, we’ll discuss why this happens and share tips for relieving dry eye symptoms.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears. Additionally, the quality of your tears may be poor, causing them to evaporate too quickly. This can result in uncomfortable symptoms like dryness, itchiness, redness, or even blurred vision. Surprisingly, it can also make your eyes water.
What causes dry eye syndrome?
Many factors can lead to dry eye disease, such as aging, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and certain medications like antihistamines and antidepressants. Environmental factors like dry air, wind, low humidity, and pollution can also cause dry eye symptoms. Too much screen time can also dry out your eyes and cause other uncomfortable symptoms like shoulder/neck pain, headaches, and eye strain.
Why do my eyes water if they’re dry?
You may be wondering how dry eye could cause watery eyes. When your eyes get dry, they can trigger a reflex that makes your eyes produce more tears. However, these reflex tears are not the best quality and won’t relieve your dry eye symptoms. Additionally, if your eyes are irritated from being dry, that can also make tears flow.
How do you treat dry eye syndrome?
The best treatment for your dry eyes will depend on how severe your symptoms are and what’s causing them. If your symptoms are mild, you can try using over-the-counter eye drops to lubricate your eyes. Lifestyle changes like taking frequent breaks from screens and using a humidifier might also help. But, if your dry eye is more serious, you might need prescription eye drops, ointments, or even medication.
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome. For moderate to severe dry eye syndrome, our eye doctor in Liberal, Kansas might recommend LipiFlow. This treatment helps improve your tear quality by unclogging blocked tear glands in your eyelids. It uses gentle heat and pressure to target the problem areas and restore proper oil production.
Dry eye may seem harmless, but it can affect your quality of life and lead to permanent damage if left untreated. If you’re dealing with dry eyes or tearing, schedule an appointment with us today. We’ll help you find relief and make sure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable.