What causes dry and watery eyes?

Apr 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Dry and watery eyes may be caused by eye strain, environmental irritation, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, keratitis, or other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In daily life, patients should avoid excessive eye use, ensure adequate rest, spend time outdoors viewing green vegetation, and consume fresh vegetables such as spinach and lettuce in moderation.

Dry and watery eyes may result from eye strain, environmental irritation, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, keratitis, or other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Eye Strain

Reading for prolonged periods in dim lighting may lead to eye fatigue, causing dryness and excessive tearing. It is advisable to take regular breaks—ideally looking into the distance every 50 minutes—and use eye-protective modes when operating electronic devices to help alleviate discomfort.

2. Environmental Irritation

Dry air, strong winds, or overuse of heating systems can reduce moisture in the eyes, leading to dryness and tearing. Maintaining moderate indoor humidity, avoiding prolonged exposure to dry or windy environments, and using artificial tears to replenish ocular moisture are recommended.

3. Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition, possibly associated with aging, eye surgery, or other factors. Insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation can cause symptoms such as dryness, itching, and tearing. Patients are advised to use prescribed medications such as sodium hyaluronate eye drops, Jinzhen eye drops, or fluorometholone eye drops according to medical instructions.

4. Conjunctivitis

This condition may be triggered by allergies, ultraviolet radiation, or other factors. Local inflammation can lead to redness, tearing, and increased eye discharge. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as chloramphenicol eye drops, ganciclovir eye drops, or ofloxacin eye drops as prescribed.

5. Keratitis

Keratitis is usually caused by eye injuries or trauma. Common symptoms include eye pain, photophobia (light sensitivity), and tearing. Patients should use medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, acyclovir eye drops, or natamycin eye drops under a doctor's supervision to improve symptoms.

In daily life, individuals are encouraged to avoid excessive eye use, ensure adequate rest, spend time outdoors viewing green vegetation, and consume fresh vegetables such as spinach and lettuce, which are beneficial to overall health.