When wearing glasses, many people experience the uncomfortable sensation of watery eyes. This common occurrence stems from various factors, including how glasses interact with your eyes and influence existing conditions. Understanding these causes can help alleviate tearing and improve eye comfort.
Understanding Why Your Eyes Water
The fit of your glasses can contribute to watery eyes. Frames that do not sit correctly can exert pressure on the tear ducts, disrupting tear flow. Poorly fitted lenses may also alter the airflow around your eyes, affecting tear film stability.
Lenses can be a source of irritation if they are dirty or scratched. Smudges, dust, and oils on lenses scatter light, forcing your eyes to strain to see clearly, which can trigger a reflex to produce more tears. Glare and reflections from lenses can also cause discomfort and lead to excessive tearing. Anti-reflective coatings can minimize this glare, reducing irritation.
Glasses can also exacerbate underlying eye conditions. Dry eye syndrome, paradoxically, often manifests as watery eyes when eyes overcompensate for dryness. Glasses might intensify this by increasing tear evaporation or creating a microclimate around the eyes. Allergens like pollen or dust can also get trapped on glasses, bringing irritants closer to the eyes and triggering watering.
An incorrect or outdated prescription is another common reason for watery eyes. If your prescription is not accurate, your eyes must work harder to focus, leading to strain and irritation that can cause tearing. This eye strain can also cause headaches and discomfort. Environmental factors like wind or dust can further irritate the eyes. While glasses offer some protection, they can also funnel air or debris directly into the eyes if not properly fitted.
Practical Steps to Relieve Watery Eyes
Addressing watery eyes begins with ensuring your glasses are properly adjusted and maintained. Visiting an optician for a professional fitting can resolve issues related to ill-fitting frames, ensuring they sit comfortably without pressing on tear ducts or obstructing airflow. Regular cleaning of your lenses is also important. Use a specialized cleaning solution or mild soap and a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and dirt, which reduces eye strain and irritation.
Managing dry eyes can reduce paradoxical tearing. Over-the-counter artificial tears, available in various forms, can lubricate and moisturize the eye surface, breaking the cycle of dryness and excessive watering. Preservative-free options are available for frequent use. Increasing indoor humidity with a humidifier can also help maintain tear film stability.
Ensuring your eyeglass prescription is current and accurate is important. Regular eye examinations help confirm that your glasses address your vision needs correctly, preventing eye strain that can lead to watery eyes. If environmental irritants like wind or dust are a concern, wrap-around glasses or sunglasses can offer additional protection, shielding your eyes from direct exposure.
When to Consult an Eye Care Professional
If watery eyes persist despite trying practical self-care steps, or if the condition worsens, consult an eye care professional. Persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying issue requiring professional diagnosis and treatment. An eye doctor can identify conditions like allergies, dry eye syndrome, or blocked tear ducts.
Certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. These include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, discharge, light sensitivity, or a foreign body sensation. These signs could point to serious conditions like infections, inflammation, or corneal issues. Regular comprehensive eye exams are also important, particularly if there is a history of eye conditions or noticeable changes in vision, to ensure ongoing eye health.