Do your eyes water constantly? Do you blame seasonal allergies for it? While allergies can be a cause of watery eyes, there is another surprising reason that could be causing it: dry eye. Yes, you read that right. While dry eye is usually linked to a lack of tears, it can also result in watery eyes! In this blog post, we’ll explain why this happens and what you can do to relieve your symptoms. 

Understanding dry eye 

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or only make poor-quality tears. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning, and light sensitivity.  

Surprisingly, one of the most common symptoms of dry eye is watery eyes. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears, they compensate by making reflex tears. Unfortunately, these tears aren’t the same quality as the tears your eyes normally produce, so they don’t lubricate your eyes properly. This can make your eyes feel dry and irritated, which can also lead to watery eyes.  

Common causes of dry eye 

Dry eye can have many causes, like getting older, taking certain medications, having certain medical conditions, and exposure to environmental factors like air conditioning and wind. Using digital devices for a long time, wearing contact lenses, and spending a lot of time reading or driving can also make it worse. The good news is there are treatments available to help you feel better and protect your eyes. 

Treating dry eye 

Depending on what’s causing your dry eye and how severe it is, your eye doctor might suggest different treatment options. These could include using warm compresses, gently massaging your eyelids, or using artificial tears or eye drops. It’s important to consult an eye doctor since not all treatments may be effective for everyone. 

While watery eyes may seem like a minor issue, it could be a sign of something more serious. If you’re dealing with watery eyes and other dry eye symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our expert eye doctors at Overland Optical Family Eye Care. We can diagnose and treat dry eye, providing you with relief and helping you prevent further issues. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at our St. Louis or St. Charles eye center.