Understanding what causes issues with our eyes is important so that we can take immediate steps to avoid or correct the problem. After all, if we are experiencing uncomfortable issues with our eyesight, it will make it almost impossible to live normally in our day-to-day lives. The simplest tasks become almost impossible, and we deal with pain, discomfort, and fear. It can be really scary to lose our ability to see properly, even if just temporarily.
If you have been dealing with watery eyes, it is important to know that this condition is actually caused by dry eyes! Watery eye condition is known formally as epiphora, and although it is annoying and even concerning, it is actually rarely serious. Your eyes are really just producing an overabundance of tears.
Our eyes produce their tears through glands known as Meibomian Glands, and these tears are a mixture of fats, mucous, and water. When these glands don’t function correctly our eyes will become dry, due to a lack of tears or evaporation. This will then trigger an overabundance of tears, and you end up with watery eyes!
Dry eyes can be caused due to undergoing Lasik Surgery, or if you have a medical condition. Undergoing chemotherapy can also create dry eyes, as well. Contact lens wearers know they are often candidates for this uncomfortable condition.
Some symptoms of dry eye will include gritty eyes – that feeling that something foreign is in your eye, stinging or burning, heavy eyelids or blurred vision, and of course, watery eyes.
Things you can do to prevent dry eyes in the first place:
- Keep your eyes clean, avoiding the use of makeup and especially eyeliner
- Avoid high temperatures, central heating, the air from vents in cars, and air conditioning
- Blink often and look away from your computer screen at regular intervals to give your eyes a rest
- Use a humidifier to slow down tear evaporation
- Wear glasses/sunglasses on windy days – the wraparound style works best
- Avoid smoky environments
- You may need help from your eye doctor. He or she can install small plugs (punctum plugs) in the tear ducts of your lower eyes to keep your tears from draining away. These can easily be removed whenever it becomes necessary.
You should always see your eye doctor or ophthalmologist to evaluate your condition if you are suffering from the symptoms of watery or dry eyes.
Here at Classic Vision Care, we are committed to alleviating any issues you may be experiencing with your eyes and your vision. If you are suffering from discomfort and concerns, call us right away for an evaluation. We know that eye pain and strain will affect your daily life, and we are here to help.
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