Dry eyes water all the time because it's a paradoxical response by your body attempting to compensate for inadequate lubrication. Here's a detailed breakdown:
The Paradox of Dry Eyes and Excessive Tearing
Instead of producing sufficient, high-quality tears that keep the eyes properly lubricated, dry eyes often trigger a reflex that causes the overproduction of watery tears. This is, according to Dr. Riordan, "the body's way of trying to help."
The Vicious Cycle
Here's how this counterintuitive process unfolds, creating a frustrating "vicious cycle":
- Initial Dryness: Your eyes do not have enough lubrication, either due to insufficient tear production or poor tear quality.
- Brain's Response: The brain senses this dryness and sends a signal to produce more tears.
- Overproduction of Watery Tears: The body responds by creating a large volume of watery tears, which are often lacking the oily components needed for proper lubrication.
- Ineffective Lubrication: These watery tears don't adhere well to the eye's surface and tend to spill out quickly, failing to provide lasting relief.
- Continued Dryness Signal: Since the surface of the eye is still not sufficiently lubricated, the brain continues to perceive dryness and keeps stimulating the production of more tears. The cycle repeats itself.
Why Are the Tears Watery and Not Lubricating?
The tears produced during a dry eye episode are often not the right type. Normal tears have three layers:
- Oil Layer: This outer layer prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.
- Water Layer: The middle, watery layer provides moisture.
- Mucus Layer: This inner layer helps tears stick to the eye's surface.
When dry eyes trigger excessive tearing, the tears are often mostly water, missing the oil and mucus needed for proper lubrication and adherence.
Understanding the Problem
| Feature | Normal Tears | Dry Eye Tears |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Balanced oil, water, and mucus layers | Mostly water, lacking oil and mucus layers |
| Function | Lubricates effectively and adheres well | Poor lubrication, runs off quickly |
| Brain Signal | Normal | Signals dryness despite tear overproduction |
What Can Be Done?
Instead of only relying on your body’s inadequate response, here are a few steps you can take to manage dry eyes:
- Artificial Tears: Use lubricating eye drops, particularly those designed for dry eye relief, to provide the necessary moisture and support the tear film.
- Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to your eyelids can help stimulate the oil glands and improve the quality of your tears.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.
- Environmental Adjustments: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, particularly during dry seasons or in air-conditioned environments.
- Consult an eye care professional: Seek help from an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if your symptoms persist.
