Excessive Tearing May Be the Result of Dry Eye Syndrome

Tears serve as a natural protective coating to our eyes, washing away debris and helping to maintain clear vision. Excessive tearing, however, can cause blurry vision, eye irritation, and a discomforting stream of tears down the cheek. Ironically, excessive tear flow may actually be due to a condition known as dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome is an eye condition commonly seen by ophthalmologists at the Beverly Hills Medical Center – Kuwait. Fortunately, dry eye syndrome is treatable through both conservative therapy and surgical intervention. The opthalmology department at BHMC-Kuwait boasts some of the most highly respected ophthalmic surgeons dedicated to providing unique and comprehensive care to individuals with dry eye syndrome.
 

What is Excessive Tearing?

Healthy tear production and drainage is critical to maintain good vision. A tear film, consisting of a balance of water, oils, and mucus, is necessary to allow light to enter the eye in the optimal fashion. Tears also nourish and lubricate the surface of the eye.

Tear production begins in the lacrimal gland, situated slightly above and behind the outer portion of the upper eyelid. The lacrimal gland forms the liquid part of the tears. Smaller glands in the eyelids form oil and mucous which allow the tears to smoothly coat the surface of the eye. When a blink occurs, excessive tears on the eye are shunted to the tear duct, allowing drainage away from the eye.

Either excessive drainage of tears away from the eyes or an imbalanced tear composition can cause the protective tear film to become inadequate. This condition is referred to as dry eye syndrome.

How do dry eyes cause excessive tearing?

Our body can sense when there is a disruption in the tear production or drainage system leading to dry eyes. In an attempt to compensate, the lacrimal gland secretes watery tears that do not stick to the surface of the eye. Therefore, excessive tearing can actually be a symptom of dry eyes. Treatment for dry eye syndrome can restore the proper tear film layer to the eyes, relieving irritation and excessive tearing.

Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes are typically treated conservatively at first. Many patients can achieve relief from dry eye symptoms, and consequently excessive tearing, through the use of artificial tear drops. These artificial tear drops can restore a balanced tear film over your eyes and reduce irritation.

Surgical treatment for dry eye syndrome may be recommended for people with severe symptoms, including excessive tearing. The procedure involves partially or fully blocking the tear ducts that provide drainage of tears from the eyes. This helps to retain a healthy tear film over the eyes and prevents excessive tear production from the lacrimal gland. If the dry eye condition improves over time, the tear duct plugs can be removed to restore natural drainage.

Dry eye treatment may be the best solution for patients with excessive tearing. Since other medical conditions can cause excessive tearing, it is important to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist regarding treatment.

Contact a Kuwait Ophthalmologist

At the Beverly Hills Medical Center – Kuwait, we offer state-of-the-art facilities and world-renowned ophthalmologists, experienced in performing a variety of eye procedures with exceptional results. If you have questions regarding dry eye syndrome, or would like to make an appointment with one of our eye surgeons, please call (965)-222-89999 today!