Watery eyes are a common issue that may seem minor at first. However, they can become disruptive if not addressed. Constantly having to wipe your eyes can make daily life difficult. This is especially true if you are reading or driving. In some cases, over-the-counter treatment options may help. However, this is not always the case, as a professional evaluation is needed. People often mistake watery eyes for symptoms of allergies or the common cold. These are not the only culprits of the issue, though. You may wonder, why are my eyes watering so much? Below you will find helpful guidance on when to get help if you have chronic tearing.
Why Are My Eyes Watering So Much?
Tears serve an important role in your eye health. They keep your eyes lubricated, deliver nutrients, and flush out harmful debris. Tears are made by a special gland just beneath the brow bone. With each blink, tears wash over your eye through a drain in the inner corner of the eyelids. From there, they move through small tubes that drain into the nose. When this process is disrupted, watery eyes can occur. There are several causes of the condition. Determining the cause of your chronic tearing (watery eyes) is necessary to find the right solution.
Dry Eye Disease
One of the common, yet more surprising causes of watery eyes is dry eye disease. When the surface of the eye is irritated from dryness, the body works overtime. It floods the eye with reflex tears to compensate for the dryness. However, those tears are not the right combination. Tears are made from mucus, oil, and water. When the composition is off, it does not properly lubricate the eye. This is why excess tears do not actually help address your dry eyes. Prompt evaluation is necessary to address the issue. The dryness must be treated to eliminate excess tearing.
Blocked Tear Duct
The tear drainage system is a complex and important process. The end of the system is deep inside the nose. When the final channel is impacted, the tears have nowhere to go. The impact can be either a narrowing or a full block. This disruption causes tears to build up and overflow down the cheek. There are several reasons this can occur. Chronic sinus issues and nasal allergies are the most common. However, previous nose surgeries or facial trauma can also cause the issue. A board-certified oculoplastic surgeon can evaluate the issue and determine the cause.
Eyelid Inflammation
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eye. It impacts the oil glands and lash follicles along the eyelid. When these glands become clogged or infected, it can irritate the surface of the eye. This leads to excess tear production. This type of tearing often comes with additional symptoms. Redness, a gritty feeling, and eyelid crust in the morning are common. Treating the inflammation directly often eliminates the excess tearing.
Allergies
Seasonal allergies are a common cause of watery eyes. Many people with allergies also have additional symptoms. This includes sneezing and a runny nose. Some people also experience redness and itching. If you notice that your watery eyes are seasonal, allergies may be the culprit. The best way to reduce watery eyes caused by allergies is to address the root cause. Avoiding your allergy trigger is essential. Common treatment options also include antihistamine eye drops and allergy medication.
When to Seek Treatment for Watery Eyes
Many people often wait too long to get treatment. This may be due to a busy lifestyle or to general avoidance of medical issues. However, this should be avoided, as early intervention is essential for watery eyes. Occasional watery eyes are not a major problem.
Watery eyes that persist for more than a couple of weeks are a problem. This is especially true if over-the-counter treatments have not provided relief. If you experience additional symptoms, it’s also time to seek support from a professional. Redness, discharge, a gritty sensation, or blurred vision is not normal.
Watery eyes are almost always treatable. A professional evaluation is necessary to determine the case. This ensures you get the right treatment to address your symptoms. Without treatment, it can affect your driving, reading, work, and other areas of your life. Getting treatment early ensures your quality of life is not affected.
Treatment for Watery Eyes
There are several effective treatment options for watery eyes. The treatment that is right for you depends on the cause and severity of your watery eyes.
At-Home Treatment Options
At-home treatment options can help. Keeping your eyes clean is important. This includes washing your eyes daily. A warm compress applied gently to your eyes can relieve your oil glands. Artificial tears may also help with dryness. These are often effective for mild watery eyes.
IPL Treatment
If your watery eyes are caused by eyelid inflammation, IPL treatment is effective. IPL is an intense pulsed light that uses light energy to reduce inflammation. It is a fast, in-office treatment. It improves the function of the oil glands that keep your tear film stable. Many patients notice improvement right away. However, a series of treatments may be necessary to achieve full relief.
Surgical Intervention
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. If the issue is due to your eyelid, surgery can address eyelid malposition. Eyelids that turn inward or outward do not support proper tear drainage. Surgery can correct the eyelid to ensure proper drainage. Blocked tear ducts may also cause watery eyes. When tears cannot drain due to a blockage, surgery can create a clear path for drainage. This addresses the issue and improves your eye function. Surgery is often necessary when more conservative treatments have not been effective.
Top Board-Certified Oculoplastic Surgeon
Watery eyes are a common issue that can impact your daily life. If you are struggling with the issue, contact the team at Jennifer Murdock Oculofacial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!
