Eye Care Newsletter

                          Why are my eyes always watering?

Weepy eyes are actually a symptom of

DRY EYE SYNDROME

Have you ever noticed your eyes water when you are in a strong breeze or the air conditioner is blowing in your face?  When your eyes dry out they send a signal to your brain to pump out more tears.  These aren't good quality tears - instead of lubricating your eye, they just run down your cheek!

A good quality tear has three components:                                                                 

1)  A mucin layer which helps it stick to the eye

2)  An aqueous (water) layer which lubricates the eye

3)  A lipid (oil) layer which helps prevent the tear from evaporating too quickly

Some people have eyes that water throughout the day, even without a strong breeze.  These individuals usually have a deficiency in one of the three layers of their tears.

Dry Eye Syndrome is normally in both eyes and is a chronic condition.

Women and the elderly are most prone to having Dry Eye Syndrome.

Besides watering eyes, other symptoms include a redness and burning or irritated sensation.  There are a number of treatment options available depending on which layer of the tear film needs to be improved.

The treatment options vary from eyelid scrubs to artificial tears to punctual plugs.  Punctal plugs are small inserts that block the drainage duct out of the eye.  This allows your own tears to stay on your eye longer.  Restasis is a prescription eye drop that can be used to treat some forms of dry eye as well.

An optometrist or ophthalmologist is able to determine which treatment option would be most beneficial to you.

If you are having any symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome, please call our office to schedule an examination with Dr. Mantel.