Symptoms related to dry eye come in many forms, including burning, irritation, light sensitivity, itchiness, eye fatigue, blurry vision, fluctuating vision, eyelid twitching, gritty feeling, contact lens irritation, and numerous others. But it might surprise you to learn that watery eyes are the number one sign of dry eye. 

Dry eye syndrome is a common ocular condition that affects millions of people, and it's essential to understand its causes and symptoms. In this blog post, we will explore what dry eye is, the role of accessory lacrimal glands and the lacrimal glands, and how eyelid disease can contribute to this condition. 

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye, or dry eye syndrome, occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of the tears is compromised. Tears play a crucial role in maintaining eye health by providing lubrication, reducing the risk of infection, and ensuring clear vision. When the balance of tears is disrupted, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including dryness, burning, itching, and, surprisingly, watery eyes.

Can Cold Weather Cause Dry Eye? 

Dry eye symptoms can be intermittent and may occur due to various factors. In Edmonton, one of the biggest things we face is our extreme winters. Changes in weather, particularly cold and dry conditions, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Dry and windy weather can increase the evaporation of tears and lead to discomfort. Cold air tends to be drier than warm air. Cold air can hold less moisture or humidity, leading to lower relative humidity levels. This lower humidity can contribute to increased evaporation of tears. It may exacerbate dry eye symptoms for individuals already prone to the condition. Cold, dry air can be especially problematic during the winter months when indoor heating systems further reduce humidity levels, potentially causing eye discomfort and dryness. Individuals with dry eye need to take extra precautions, such as using a humidifier indoors and wearing protective eyewear in cold, windy conditions, to help alleviate symptoms in dry weather.

The Role of Accessory Lacrimal Glands and Lacrimal Glands

Tears are produced by two types of glands: the lacrimal glands and accessory lacrimal glands (Wolfring & Krauss). The lacrimal glands, located above the outer corner of each eye, produce the watery component of tears. On the other hand, accessory lacrimal glands, located within the eyelids, secrete the lipid (oil) and mucus components of tears. These three components must work harmoniously to create a stable tear film that keeps the eyes moist and comfortable.

How Watery Eyes Relate to Dry Eye

When your eyes detect a lack of moisture or instability in the tear film due to insufficient oil, they can respond by producing reflex tears. These reflex tears are a natural response to discomfort and are meant to wash away irritants. As a result, the eyes may become excessively watery in an attempt to compensate for the dryness caused by insufficient tear production or quality.

People with dry eyes may notice that their eyes water excessively first thing in the morning or when they try to read. They may also start to water quickly when exposed to an environmental trigger like cold air or wind. 

If the cause of your dry eye is simply the lack of tear production, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or specialty lubricating eye drops sold at your optometrist's office may improve your watery eye symptoms. 

Eyelid Disease as an Underlying Cause

One common underlying cause of dry eye is eyelid disease, such as Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD occurs when the Meibomian glands in the eyelids become blocked or dysfunctional, leading to decreased oil production and tear instability. MGD can exacerbate dry eye symptoms and lead to chronic discomfort without proper treatment.

Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, are primarily designed to temporarily relieve dry eyes' symptoms by adding moisture to the ocular surface. While they can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with dry eyes, they do not treat the underlying cause, such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

Suppose the cause of your dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). In that case, your treatment may involve additional therapies such as warm compresses, lid hygiene, prescription medications, and omega-3 supplements. 

What Should You Do If You Have Watery Eyes? 

If you've been experiencing watery eyes or any other dry eye symptoms, it's essential not to ignore them. Dry eye is a multifaceted condition with various potential causes, including eyelid disease. To find the root cause of your symptoms and receive personalized treatment, we encourage you to book a dry eye consultation with one of the skilled optometrists at Stonewire Optometry Eye Care Clinic in Kingsway Mall. Our experts will assess your eye health, discuss your symptoms, and develop a tailored plan to help you relieve dry eye discomfort and enjoy clear, comfortable vision. Don't let dry eye symptoms persist—schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards healthier, happier eyes.

Pro-Tip: Alberta Health Care covers the cost of dry eye visits and follow-up visits. However, some additional tests and treatments may not be covered by AHC or be billable to your insurance provider. Always talk to your optometrist about the costs associated with your treatment plan. 

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Stonewire Optometry eye care clinic in Kingsway Mall is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Stonewire Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.