Dry Eye Symptoms Aren’t Always What You Think

We’ve all seen the commercials on TV discussing dry eyes and when to talk with your doctor about medication. You may watch those commercials and think, ‘I’ll never need that medication because my eyes are never dry. They actually are always watering!’ Well, this sounds like it might be an April Fool’s Day joke, but it’s very true: watering eyes are often a sign of dry eyes. How is this true? When the eyes are dry, they send a message to the brain that more moisture is needed and the brain responds by sending an abundance of signal for your eyes to make tears. Unfortunately for your eyes, though, these tears are often of lower quality than naturally occurring tears, so they are thinner and less moisturizing for the eyes’ surfaces. The medications advertised on television assist the eyes in making tears and keeping tear production at a normal level. Not everyone who experiences dry eyes needs medication, though, so if you notice your eyes watering often, schedule an appointment with your eye care professional to find out what available treatment options are right for you. To schedule an appointment at one of The Eye Clinic’s six locations (two in Lake Charles, one each in Sulphur, DeRidder, Jennings and Moss Bluff), please call us at 337-478-3810 and we can help!