When most people have watery eyes, they usually think it’s allergies or something stuck in their eyes. But did you know watery eyes are also a sign of dry eye syndrome? That’s right, despite the name, dry eye syndrome can cause excessive tearing. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why this happens as well as what you can do to relieve discomfort.
Why do dry eyes constantly water?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears don’t have the right consistency. When your eyes are dry, they try to compensate by producing more tears. People with dry eye syndrome, however, typically produce low-quality tears that evaporate too quickly, resulting in a constant need for more tears. This can cause inflammation, irritation, and a sensation of dryness despite the excess tears.
Other symptoms of dry eye syndrome
Along with watery eyes, you may also notice other symptoms such as redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. These symptoms can be mild or severe, and they can affect one or both eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, it’s important to see an eye doctor to determine if you have dry eye syndrome.
What causes dry eye syndrome?
Some of the leading causes of dry eye syndrome include aging, hormonal changes, and environmental factors such as windy or dry climates. Additionally, some medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can contribute to dry eye syndrome.
When to see an eye doctor
If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life or persist for an extended period, it’s time to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist. Dry eye syndrome can cause changes in your vision that require professional diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, these vision problems can worsen and lead to permanent vision loss. An eye doctor can figure out what’s causing your symptoms and provide effective dry eye treatment in Austin and Round Rock to protect your vision and reduce dryness and discomfort. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend artificial tears, medications, or lifestyle changes to help relieve your symptoms.
Dry eye syndrome can be a debilitating condition that affects your quality of life. Our expert eye doctors in Austin and Round Rock, Texas at Northwest Hills Eye Care specialize in treating and managing dry eye syndrome. We’ll assess your condition, determine the underlying cause, and develop a customized treatment plan to help you find relief and improve your overall eye health. Contact us today to book an appointment!