Unraveling the Mystery of Tearing with Dry Eyes

Have you ever teared up when your eyes are supposed to be dry? It's a perplexing situation that many individuals face, and it's often a symptom of a common condition known as dry eye. At Downtown Vision Centre, we understand the challenges of dry eyes. We're here to shed light on this unusual symptom, along with a wide range of treatment options available to provide you with relief.

If you're experiencing any dry eye symptoms, don't hesitate to contact us at Downtown Vision Centre. We're here to help you find the right treatment and regain your comfort and clarity of vision.

The Peculiar Symptom: Tearing in Dry Eyes

Dry eye, typically associated with symptoms like itching, burning, and a gritty sensation, may seem contradictory when it causes excessive tearing. It's a phenomenon that can leave you feeling puzzled, but understanding why this happens is crucial to effective treatment.

Why Do Dry Eyes Tear Up?

Dry eyes trigger a compensatory response in the body. When the eyes are dry, they send signals to produce more tears as a protective mechanism. However, these "reflex tears" differ from the regular "emotional tears" you shed when you're happy or sad. They lack the oil to keep your eyes lubricated, resulting in an inadequate tear film.

Unraveling the Tear Film

A healthy tear film comprises three layers: an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucus layer. This combination ensures that your eyes remain moist and protected. In the case of dry eyes, the oil layer is often deficient, which leads to faster evaporation of tears and, paradoxically, increased tearing to compensate. It's essential to differentiate between reflex tearing from dry eyes and other causes of excessive tearing.

Recognizing the Full Spectrum of Dry Eye Symptoms

While tearing with dry eyes is an unusual symptom, it's just one facet of this 

condition. Dry eye can manifest in various ways, and recognizing the full spectrum of symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

• Burning Sensation: Many individuals with dry eyes experience a persistent burning or stinging sensation.
• Itching: The constant itchiness in and around the eyes can be highly discomforting.
• Grittiness: Dry eye can make your eyes feel like they have sand or grit in them.
• Redness: The whites of your eyes may appear red due to irritation and inflammation.
• Blurred Vision: Dry eyes can cause fluctuations in vision, leading to occasional blurriness.
• Sensitivity to Light: Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a common symptom of dry eye.
• Eye Fatigue: Prolonged screen time or activities like reading can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
• Foreign Body Sensation: It may feel like something foreign is trapped in your eye.

Exploring a Wide Variety of Dry Eye Treatments

Dry eye is a common condition, but the good news is that numerous treatment options are available to alleviate your discomfort and improve your quality of life. At Downtown Vision Centre, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments tailored to your needs.

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are a go-to treatment for mild to moderate dry eye. These lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief by replenishing eye moisture.

Prescription Eye Drops

For more severe cases of dry eye, we may recommend prescription eye drops. These eye drops can help reduce inflammation and increase tear production.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are small, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to block tear drainage, helping to keep the eyes moist.

Lifestyle Modifications

Simple changes like increasing humidity in your environment, taking breaks from screen time, and staying well-hydrated can significantly improve dry eye symptoms.

Nutritional Supplements

Certain dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may support eye health and reduce dry eye symptoms. Our team at Downtown Vision Centre will work with you to determine the most suitable treatment for your dry eye condition.

Don't Let Dry Eyes Hold You Back

Experiencing tearing with dry eyes can be a perplexing and uncomfortable situation. However, it's crucial to recognize this unusual symptom as a sign of your body's protective mechanism. With a better understanding of the tear film, the variety of dry eye symptoms, and the many available treatments, you can regain comfort and clarity of vision.

If you're experiencing any dry eye symptoms, don't let them hold you back. Contact us at Downtown Vision Centre in Camas, and let our experienced team help you find the right treatment to alleviate your dry eye discomfort.