watery eyes – Ask Eye Doc

Dry Eye Syndrome is the most common cause of watery eyes 3 main causes of watery eyes: Dry Eye syndromeBlockage Tear DuctEyelid deformity Dr. Tayani explains Watery Eyes in the video below. https://youtu.be/WWWUM3Heq_A Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome: Eye Irritation Foreign body sensation Burning Eyes Vision Fluctuations Photophobia/light sensitivity Tired/Heavy eyes Red eyes Watery Eyes Occasionally eyes crusted shut in the morning Occasionally severe pain upon waking (Recurrent corneal erosion) Sandy/gritty sensation Effective Dry Eye treatments include: Hot compresses 10-20 minutes Eyelid cleaners such as OcuSoft, Systane lid wipes, or baby shampoo Artificial tears lubricate the eyes. Make sure it does not say to get the red out. Xiidra Restasis Punctal plugs Stay hydrated Omega 3 supplementation Avoid smoke and wind Review medication side effects Adjust your seat to be higher than your computer monitor Use daily contact lenses instead of extended wear contact lenses Use a humidifier Sleep with an eye mask if your eyelids do not fully close while sleeping Treat rosacea Treat blepharitis Eat a balanced diet high in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants Dry Eye Device: ILUX, Lipiflow, IPL For more information on the above treatments click here to view my article on Dry Eye Syndrome. Blocked Tear Duct Photo Credits: Henry Vandyke Carter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Our eyes constantly produce a thick moisturizing tear and drain the tear to keep the eyes moist, and clean. If the lacrimal duct as seen in the photo above becomes blocked then the tear is unable to drain out of the eyes properly causing the tears to spill out of the eye, causing watery eyes. Blocked Tear Duct Symptoms Excessive tearing Red Eyes Chronic eye infections Painful swelling near the inside corner of the eye Crusting of the eyelids Mucus discharge Blurred vision Blocked Tear Duct Treatment Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) Dacryocystorhinostomy, most commonly called DCR, is an eye surgery performed by an Oculoplastic surgeon to bypass the area of blockage and create a new pathway for our tears to train from our eyes. DCR is a painless surgery with minimal downtime. Eyelid Deformity: When the eyelids are not in the proper position, it can cause symptoms just like dry eye syndrome. This is because the eyelashes may rub against the eye or the eyeball may have more exposure where the eyelids do not fully close. Below is a video discussing the two most common eyelid abnormalities: Entropion: When the lower eyelid turns inward into the eyeball Ectropion: When the lower eyelid turns out or away from the eyeball. Symptoms of Eyelid Deformities Eye Irritation Foreign body sensation Burning Eyes Vision Fluctuations Photophobia/light sensitivity Tired/Heavy eyes Red eyes Watery Eyes Occasionally eyes crusted shut in the morning Occasionally severe pain upon waking (Recurrent corneal erosion) Sandy/gritty sensation Treatment of Eyelid Deformities Typically the only treatment for eyelid deformities is surgery. An Oculoplastic surgeon will perform reconstruction of the eyelids to put them into a normal position. Watery Eyes There are 3 main causes of watery eyes. Dry eye is the most common cause, a blocked tear duct, and eyelid deformities. In order to determine the cause of your watery eyes, it is best to be evaluated with your eye doctor.