The reason you’re tearing up may be as simple as a foreign particle getting stuck in your eye. When a speck of dirt, dust or an eyelash touches your eye, your eyes will produce more and more tears until the foreign body is flushed out. This can be triggered even by things that are too small to see, like smoke particles.
That said, watery eyes may also be an indication of a more serious issue. Vienna Eyecare Center, the area’s premier optometrist, discusses some of the most common causes of watery eyes below.
1. Dry Eyes. One prevalent reason may be dry eye syndrome. It sounds counter-intuitive that dry eyes can cause excess tear production, but it’s true. Because dry eyes don’t receive proper lubrication, the eyes generate an excessive amount of tears. Dry eye can be caused by allergies, medications, excessive amounts of screen time or long-term contact lens wear.
2. Conjunctivitis. Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is typically caused by bacterial or viral infection. Watery eyes are not the only symptom, however–there may also be an itchy or scratchy feeling in the eye, burning or irritation, and swelling. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so you should visit your local eye doctor, Vienna Eyecare Center, promptly for the necessary treatment.
3. Blocked Tear Ducts. This means your tears can’t drain properly out of your eyes. Infection of the eyes, tear duct system, or nasal passages is the leading cause of blocked tear ducts. While this condition is often treatable and temporary, you should visit your optometrist if the symptoms still linger. These include redness and irritation of the eye, mucus or discharge from the eye, and blurred vision.
When to Visit Your Eye Doctor
If there are other symptoms aside from excessive tear production, such as swelling, pain, blurred vision, and discharge from the eye, then you should turn to your trusted eye care provider, Vienna Eyecare Center, for a comprehensive eye exam. This will determine the primary cause of your watery eyes, allowing for proper treatment.
Vienna Eyecare Center is not only your leading source of the highest-quality prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses–we can also handle your eye care needs. With our exceptional solutions, we’ll ensure a lifetime of clear, healthy eyesight. We serve the areas in and around Vienna, Reston and Mclean, VA. Call us today at (703) 938-7633 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.
