Have you been dealing with watery eyes lately? It can be annoying to constantly wipe away tears or have blurry vision due to excessive tearing. There are many reasons why your eyes might be tearing up all the time, from allergies to dry eye syndrome. Whatever the cause, finding relief is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common causes of watery eyes and how to treat them.
1. Dry eye syndrome
One common cause of watery eyes is dry eye syndrome. Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when your tears evaporate too quickly. It may seem counterintuitive, but watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye. Your body tries to compensate for the dryness by producing more tears than necessary, leading to watery eyes. Other symptoms of dry eye include a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, light sensitivity, and blurry vision.
In many cases, you can manage dry eye at home by using artificial tears or making lifestyle changes like using a humidifier. However, if your dry eye is severe or chronic, our experts provide dry eye treatment in Northport, Reform, and Greensboro to help you find relief.
2. Allergies
Another potential cause of watery eyes is allergies. When allergens like pollen or pet dander get into your eyes, your immune system may overreact and release chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction. This reaction typically causes symptoms like itchy, red eyes, sneezing, congestion, and, of course, watery eyes.
If you notice that your symptoms tend to flare up at certain times of the year or in specific environments (like around cats), allergies may be to blame. You can try using over-the-counter antihistamines or prescription allergy medications to help with these symptoms.
3. Eye infections
Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), can also lead to watery eyes. Pink eye is highly contagious and usually comes with other symptoms like redness and discharge from the affected eye(s). Treatment for pink eye typically involves antibiotics or antiviral medications prescribed by an optometrist. If you suspect that you have pink eye, it’s important to seek treatment right away to prevent spreading the infection.
4. Environmental factors
Your environment can also contribute to watery eyes. Wind or smoke exposure can irritate your eyes and cause excessive tearing. Also, spending long periods staring at screens without taking breaks can strain your eyes and make them water.
When you’re outside, wearing protective eyewear can help prevent your eyes from tearing up and feeling uncomfortable. It’s also important to take regular breaks from screens to give your eyes a chance to rest. Remember to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on an object at least 20 feet away.
If your eyes are constantly watering, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause so that you can find the best treatment. Our skilled eye doctors in Northport, Reform, and Greensboro can assess your symptoms and provide the necessary treatment to ensure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable. We specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions, including dry eye. Give us a call today to book your appointment!