Many people in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, and Pismo Beach are surprised when their eye doctor tells them they have dry eye—especially if their eyes are constantly watering. It seems counterintuitive, but watery eyes can be a symptom of dry eye disease. Dr. Robert Dirksen of Pacific Eye Surgeons explains why this happens and how it can be treated.
Why Do Dry Eyes Water Excessively?
When your eyes become too dry, they can become irritated. Your body responds by producing reflex tears, which are different from normal lubricating tears. Reflex tears are designed to flush out irritants, but they don’t have the same soothing properties as your natural tears. As a result, your eyes may be watery but still feel dry, irritated, or uncomfortable.
Watch the video below as Dr. Robert Dirksen explains what you should know about dry eye:
The Two Key Components of Healthy Tears
Tears are more than just water; they have two essential layers that keep your eyes healthy:
- Aqueous Layer (Watery Component): Produced by the lacrimal gland, this layer keeps the eyes hydrated and helps remove debris.
- Lipid Layer (Oil Component): Produced by the meibomian glands at the base of your eyelashes, this oil locks in moisture and prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.
What Causes Dry Eye?
There are two main causes of dry eye:
- Aqueous Deficiency: Your lacrimal glands aren’t producing enough tears.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Your oil glands become clogged, preventing the proper release of oil into the tear film. MGD is one of the most common causes of dry eye, especially as we age.
Effective Dry Eye Treatments in the Central Coast
If you’re struggling with dry, watery, or irritated eyes, several treatments can help restore your tear film balance.
1. Artificial Tears and Medications
- Lubricating eye drops can supplement moisture.
- Prescription medications can encourage your lacrimal glands to produce more tears.
2. Eyelid Hygiene and Warm Compresses
- Lid scrubs and cleansing wipes help remove debris and unclog the meibomian glands.
- Warm compresses can encourage oil production and improve tear stability.
3. LipiFlow Treatment: A Deep Clean for Your Oil Glands
At Pacific Eye Surgeons, we offer LipiFlow, an advanced in-office treatment designed to address Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. This FDA-approved device:
- Gently heats the eyelids to melt blockages in the oil glands.
- Uses pulsating pressure to express stagnant oil, allowing for better tear stability.
- Provides long-term relief for many patients struggling with chronic dry eye.
Schedule a Dry Eye Consultation at Pacific Eye Surgeons
If you’re experiencing dry, watery, or irritated eyes, don’t ignore the symptoms. Pacific Eye Surgeons provides expert dry eye diagnosis and treatment for patients in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, and Pismo Beach.
