Constant Eye Watering? Paradoxical Dry Eye Symptoms

When you think of dry eye, watery eyes are probably the last thing that comes to mind. Yet, for many people, constant tearing is actually a symptom of this condition. This confusing cycle leaves patients frustrated - feeling like their eyes are both too dry and too watery at the same time. At Paradise Canyon Eye Care, we help patients understand this phenomenon and find lasting relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease happens when your eyes don’t have enough quality tears to stay properly lubricated. This can leave your eyes feeling irritated, gritty, or even burning. Some people experience blurred vision or sensitivity to light. In many cases, the eyes try to compensate by producing more tears, but those tears often don’t provide the comfort and protection your eyes need.

Why Excessive Tearing Occurs With Dry Eye

Your tears are made up of three layers: a mucin layer that helps them stick to the eye’s surface, a watery layer that provides moisture, and an oily layer that prevents evaporation. When any of these layers are disrupted, most commonly the oily layer, the tears dry up too quickly. This sends a signal to your lacrimal glands to produce more watery tears, but since they lack the proper balance, they do not solve the problem. Instead, they spill over, leaving your eyes watery yet still uncomfortably dry.

How to Stop the Tears

If over-the-counter eye drops or warm compresses haven’t given you lasting relief, advanced in-office treatments may be the answer. At Paradise Canyon Eye Care, we offer cutting-edge solutions designed to address the root cause of dry eye:

Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT): A gentle light treatment that stimulates the meibomian glands in your eyelids, improving oil production and restoring tear film stability.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Originally developed for dermatology, IPL therapy helps reduce eyelid inflammation and clear blocked glands, reducing both irritation and excessive tearing.
Radio Frequency (RF): A specialized treatment that stimulates flow of oils into the tears by melting thick secretions and unclogging meibomian glands resulting in a more stable tear film and improved dry eye symptoms.

By treating the source of dry eye rather than just the symptoms, these therapies can break the cycle of paradoxical tearing and provide lasting comfort.

Break the Cycle of Tearing and Discomfort at Paradise Canyon Eye Care

Constant tearing doesn’t always mean your eyes are well-hydrated. In fact, it’s often a sign of dry eye disease. Understanding this paradox is the first step toward relief. With today’s advanced treatments, you don’t have to live with watery, irritated eyes.

If you’re struggling with constant eye watering, schedule a consultation with Paradise Canyon Eye Care to explore the best treatment plan to restore your comfort and clarity. Visit our office in St. George, Utah, or call (435) 291-5093 to book an appointment today.