5 Conditions That Cause Watery Eyes and When to See Your Eye Doctor

by | Oct 6, 2023 | Eye Health News

Watery Eyes causes and treatment: In this article, we’ll explore the top five conditions that lead to this discomfort and when it’s crucial to seek the expertise of your eye doctor. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Watery Eyes

Common causes of watery eyes

Allergies Do your eyes often become watery without any apparent reason? Allergies might be the culprit. Discover how allergens trigger excessive tearing and what steps you can take to find relief.

Dry Eyes Contrary to common belief, dry eyes can paradoxically cause watery eyes. Uncover the connection between insufficient tear production and the body’s compensatory response, leading to excessive tearing.

Blocked Tear Ducts Explore the intricate network of tear ducts and understand how blockages can disrupt the natural drainage process, resulting in persistent watery eyes.

Conjunctivitis Delve into the world of conjunctivitis and its impact on tear production. Learn about the different types of conjunctivitis and how each contributes to watery eyes.

Environmental Factors Discover how your surroundings play a crucial role in eye health. From windy weather to air pollution, environmental factors can trigger watery eyes and ways to protect your eyes.

5 Conditions That Cause Watery Eyes

Allergies and their impact on tear production

Uncover the link between allergies and excessive tearing. From pollen to pet dander, explore common allergens that can turn your eyes into waterworks.

How dry eyes lead to excessive tearing

Dive into the complexities of dry eyes and their surprising connection to watery eyes. Learn about lifestyle changes and treatments to restore the balance.

Identifying blocked tear ducts and solutions

Recognize the signs of blocked tear ducts and explore both medical and home remedies to alleviate the blockage and restore normal tear drainage.

Conjunctivitis and its role in watery eyes

Differentiate between viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis and understand how each variant contributes to watery eyes. Discover effective treatment options.

Environmental triggers and eye watering

Explore how external factors like wind, smoke, and pollution can lead to watery eyes. Uncover preventive measures to shield your eyes from environmental triggers.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

Signs that warrant a visit to the eye doctor

Identify red flags that indicate it’s time to consult your eye doctor. From persistent watering to changes in vision, prioritize your eye health.

Importance of professional diagnosis and treatment

Understand why self-diagnosis is risky when it comes to eye conditions. Discover the critical role eye doctors play in accurately diagnosing and treating the root causes of watery eyes.

FAQs

Are watery eyes a sign of a serious eye condition? Examine the potential seriousness behind watery eyes and the importance of professional evaluation for a precise diagnosis.

Can I use over-the-counter eye drops for watering eyes? Explore the efficacy and limitations of over-the-counter eye drops for managing watery eyes. Discover when it’s suitable and when professional intervention is necessary.

What are the common symptoms of dry eyes? Learn to recognize the telltale signs of dry eyes and differentiate them from other eye conditions.

How is conjunctivitis treated? Gain insights into the various treatment approaches for different types of conjunctivitis, ensuring effective relief.

Are there preventive measures for blocked tear ducts? Discover lifestyle changes and practices to prevent blockages in tear ducts, reducing the risk of watery eyes.

How can I protect my eyes from environmental triggers? Explore practical tips to safeguard your eyes from external factors that contribute to watery eyes, promoting overall eye health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the root causes of watery eyes empowers you to take proactive steps towards eye health. Whether it’s allergies, dry eyes, blocked tear ducts, conjunctivitis, or environmental factors, knowing when to seek professional help ensures a clear vision and a tear-free future.

Tatum Eyecare is North Phoenix’s premier family eye care center. We’ve spared no expense to create the most pleasant, comfortable patient experience… including the finest furnishings, the best selection of prescription eyeglass frames, the most cutting-edge technology, and the most outstanding team of industry professionals. Come see why the choice for family eye care in the Valley has never been clearer.

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry