When you think of dry eye, symptoms like itchiness, burning, or red eyes might come to mind. However, did you know that watery eyes can also be a sign of dry eye syndrome? Yes, you read that right. When your eyes don’t get enough moisture, your body often responds by producing too many tears. In this blog, we’ll discuss this surprising symptom of dry eye and how you can find relief.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that affects many people, especially those who are 50 years old or older. When you have dry eyes, you might think it means fewer tears. But surprisingly, it can make your eyes produce more tears to keep them comfortable and moist. However, these extra tears often lack the necessary components like oil and mucus to effectively lubricate your eyes. That’s why they evaporate quickly, leading to watery eyes.
What causes dry eye syndrome?
While the cause of dry eye varies from person to person, there are a few factors that can contribute to it. Environmental factors such as air pollution, dry climate, or spending too much time staring at screens can lead to dry eye. Aging, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome can also play a role in dry eye.
When to see an eye doctor
If you’re dealing with watery eyes and experiencing other symptoms like stinging, burning, or fatigue, it might be time to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist. They can run a few tests to figure out what’s causing your symptoms and develop a personalized dry eye treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your condition, they might suggest artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or other methods to relieve dryness and discomfort.
For severe cases, our expert eye doctor in Plymouth, Michigan may recommend more advanced treatment options like BlephEx®, iLux®, or OptiLight. BlephEx® uses a gentle rotating brush to remove bacteria and toxins from your eyelids and eyelashes, which helps reduce inflammation and improve tear quality. iLux®, on the other hand, uses heat and pressure to soften the hardened oils in your eyelids, restoring the natural flow of oils to the tear film. Similarly, OptiLight uses gentle pulses of light to clear up blockages in your tear glands and address meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eye.
If you suffer from dry eye and watery eyes, it’s important to seek treatment from a qualified eye doctor. At Progressive Family Eye Care in Plymouth, MI, our skilled eye doctor can help you figure out what’s causing your dry eye and start feeling better soon. Don’t let dry eye hold you back; call us today to schedule an appointment!
