Your Optometrist in Old Bridge, New Jersey

Dr. Christian Crespo: There are many reasons why the eyes can be watery. Although watery eyes may be due to other causes such as allergies, or blocked drainage  (nasolacrimal duct obstruction), the most common cause is typically some dryness. When the eyes are dry, there are nerves on the front surface of the eye that detect significant dryness. These nerves will then trigger a reflex of our nervous system to make more water. This reflexive production of tears tends to be an overcompensation of what is actually necessary to moisten the eyes. This overproduction of tears tends to spill off the eyes and onto our cheek as a result.

Dr. Christian Crespo: This is a common symptom people experience when they have dry eyes. The most common culprit is that there is a dry patch that has formed on the eye. Just how you can form a dry patch on your skin, a dry patch can form on your eye as well. When this happens, depending on the severity of the dry patch, it can cause very significant discomfort and foreign body sensation. 

Dr. Christian Crespo: The most commonly recommended at home remedy for dry eye that I recommend is hot compresses coupled with eyelid massage. After using a hot compress on the eye for 5 - 10 minutes, use your clean fingers to digitally massage the eyelids. This helps to augment the function of the meibomian glands. Moreover, it is quick and inexpensive compared to many other treatments involving eye drops (which are often a band-aid).