Despite the name, dry eye often causes excessive tearing—a confusing symptom until you understand how tear production works.
Your eyes produce two types of tears:
- Lubricating tears: These are produced continuously to keep the eyes moist, nourished, and protected. They contain a balanced mix of water, oil, mucus, proteins, and antibodies.
- Reflex tears: These are produced in response to irritation (like wind, smoke, or injury) and lack the essential components needed for proper lubrication. When the eyes are dry or irritated, they may overproduce reflex tears, leading to watery eyes.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
- Watery eyes
- Burning, itching, or gritty sensation
- Blurred vision after reading or screen use
- Redness and irritation
- Mucus discharge
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can result from aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, autoimmune conditions (like Sjögren’s syndrome), or environmental factors. It’s also more common in women, especially after menopause
Effective Treatment Options
At Oakland Eye Care, we offer personalized treatment plans that may include:
- Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
- Prescription medications to reduce inflammation
- Punctal plugs to retain natural tears
- Lifestyle and environmental adjustments
- Nutritional support, including omega-3 supplements
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, contact us today at 248-620-3000 to schedule an evaluation.