When your eyes are irritated, it can be very distracting. When your eyes are too dry, too wet, or itchy in the slightest, it suddenly becomes the only thing you can focus on. Sometimes these issues resolve themselves, but if they do not you will need to seek medical intervention. Persistent, excessive tearing can cause vision impairment, irritated eyes, and elevated risk of infection.
Excessive tearing may be caused by temporary irritants but it is also possible that there are other complications with the tear duct or the eye. If significant tearing lasts longer than a few days, consult with an eye doctor.
What Causes Excessive Tearing And What To Do About It
If you are experiencing teary eyes, here are some causes and indicators that it is time to go to the optometrist.
What Causes Teary Eyes?
Persistent teary eyes are often caused by Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), a condition in which the tears are incapable of adequately lubricating the eyes. This can leave them feeling excessively dry, sometimes resulting in a stinging or burning sensation. Sufferers of DES often simultaneously suffer from dry eyes yet excessive tearing when the tear ducts attempt to lubricate the eyes to relieve discomfort. In these cases, the tears often don’t contain the correct ratios of oils, water, and salt, so the eyes aren’t receiving enough lubrication despite the overproduction of tears. This then becomes a vicious cycle, as the overproduction of tears will further irritate the eyes. Other causes include:
- Weather conditions (including wind, cold dust, sunshine, and smog)
- Injured or scratched eye
- Allergies
- Eyelid turned outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion)
- Ingrown eyelash
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Infection
- Blocked tear duct
- Foreign object under the eyelid
- Chemicals in the eye
- Prescription medication
- Some forms of cancer treatment
When To See The Optometrist
You should visit an eye doctor if your teary eyes are persistent for more than a few days, if you repeatedly experience bouts of teary eyes, if you suffer from DES, or if your teary eyes are accompanied by any of the following:
- Vision loss or vision disturbance
- Red or swollen eyes
- Discharge or blood coming from the eyes
- Unexplained bruising around the eye
- Tender sinus and/or nose
How Are Teary Eyes Treated?
The treatment depends on the cause, but most common causes can be treated with one or more of the following:
- Prescription eye drops for Dry Eye Syndrome
- Allergy pills
- Antibiotics
- A warm, damp towel to help clear tear ducts
- Surgery to repair or create a tear draining system (dacryocystorhinostomy)
- Blink Eyewear Can Address Your Excessive Tearing
Teary eyes might clear up without any assistance, but if they don’t, visit the optometrists at Blink Eyewear at one of our three convenient Calgary locations, either at Crowfoot in the NW, West Springs in SW, or Creekside in the NW. The knowledgeable and experienced staff at Blink Eyewear can help you get back to seeing the world crystal clear. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-516-2292 or fill out the contact form below. Blink Eyewear is your one stop shop for exams, treatment, and stylish eyewear.
Revital-Eyes Treatment: Fully Customized Dry Eye Remedy
At Blink Eyewear, our REVITAL-EYES therapy for your Dry Eye treatment involves combining Lumenis Optima™ intense pulsed light (IPL) with EndyMed 3DEEP™ radio frequency (RF) for superior results. A first-of-its-kind treatment, Optima™ IPL offers dry eye sufferers a long-term solution for their condition and a host of benefits. The advanced technology will provide you with immediate relief from dry eye syndrome in as little as two treatments, and most patients report significant relief from four treatments on average. If you want to find out more about the costs and benefits of our customized Optima™ IPL Intense Pulsed Light, with EndyMed 3DEEP™ Radio Frequency treatments, or to book a dry eye assessment, fill out the contact form and one of our dry eye care professionals will be happy to help! Learn more about Revital-Eyes Treatments here.
FAQ
Q: Do I always have to go to the doctor when I have teary eyes?
A: No, teary eyes may clear up on their own or may be temporary. Visit your Blink Eyewear optometrist if your teary eyes persist for more than a few days or are accompanied by any of the listed symptoms.
Q: Why do I need an optometrist?
A: An optometrist can discover numerous health issues affecting not only your vision but your overall health. Conditions such as abnormal blood pressure, tumours, diabetes, and imbalanced cholesterol may all be discovered during a comprehensive eye exam. Whether or not you have vision impairments it is recommended that you see your NW Calgary Eye Doctor for an annual comprehensive eye exam.
Q: Is it bad to rub my eyes?
A: Yes, if you feel any symptoms of DES or if your excessive tearing is causing irritation, avoid touching your eyes at all. Instead, try blinking rapidly to clear away tears.