When something unwanted shows up in your peepers—an eyelash, dust, a fleck of dirt—they produce tears to flush it out. Even intruders that are invisible or too small to perceive, such as smoke particles and chemicals in onions, get washed away by tears. But other eye issues and health problems can make your tear glands (lacrimal glands) shift into overdrive too.
When you need an optometrist to discuss concerns of excessive tearing, you want a thoughtful and detailed provider who makes you feel at ease, listens and offers excellent service. Drs. Chandler & Davis proudly possesses all of those qualities. At our location you'll find the latest technology to assist with your exam. You can also get a prescription for contact lenses and select from a large selection of eyeglass frames.
These are the causes of some of those liquid-laden conditions.
Dry eyes: Your tears evaporate quickly because they lack the correct balance of mucus, oils and fluid, so your tear glands react by making more. This can be worse if there are high winds or extremely low temperatures outside or if you're excessively coughing, sneezing or laughing.
Conjunctivitis: Also known as pinkeye, conjunctivitis makes one or both eyes feel prickly and gritty, as if sand is in them. The white part of one or both eyes will become pink or red. The most common causes are viral or bacterial infections. Viral infections may not respond to treatment, but the bacterial infections can be treated with eye drops.
Allergies: Pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke, mold, and certain cosmetics or perfumes are common perpetrators. Itching is also usually associated with allergies.
Oil gland glitches: Teeny glands (called Meibomian glands) in your eyelids create oils that prevent your eyes from losing moisture. But if the Meibomian glands develop blockages severe enough to hinder the secretion of enough oil, an eye will get aggravated and start to tear.
An eyelash: One of these tiny hairs can turn into a troublemaker if it grows inward rather than outward and rubs against the eyeball. An optometrist can banish the discomfort and surplus tears by removing the eyelash or adjusting it so it points in the correct direction.
The office of Drs. Chandler & Davis is courteous, professional and friendly. Everyone who uses us as their optometrist knows they made the right choice. Please call us today to find out how we can serve you.
The information on this site is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and does not substitute for consultation with optometrist, ophthalmologist or any other medical professional. If you have any questions about your individual situation, please contact your optometrist or ophthalmologist.