If you live in Carlsbad and find yourself constantly wiping away tears, it might be more than just sensitivity or wind. Persistent tearing often signals an underlying imbalance in your tear film, glands, or overall eye health.
Your eyes rely on a stable tear film for comfort and protection. When that balance breaks down, your body may produce excess tears. Instead of keeping your eyes moist the right way, it triggers reflex tearing, the eye’s response to dryness or irritation.
What Causes Excess Tearing?
Watery eyes can stem from several common causes:
- Dry eye syndrome — ironically, dryness often leads to over-tearing
- Blocked tear ducts — when drainage is impaired, tears spill over
- Allergies or environmental irritants — wind, dust, or coastal breezes can irritate
- Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) — irritation at the base of eyelashes can trigger reflex tearing
- Digital eye strain — long hours on screens can worsen tear-film instability
Living near the coast in Carlsbad or working long hours on digital devices can amplify these factors. Dry air, breeze, or salty air, combined with screen time, can easily disrupt tear-film balance and eyelid health.
At Village Optometry, we treat persistent tearing as a serious symptom. Watery eyes often conceal deeper issues like ocular surface disease. That’s why we rely on comprehensive diagnostics, not guesswork, to determine the root cause and personalize treatment.
How We Diagnose & Treat Watery Eyes
During your visit to Village Optometry, our eye doctors assess the health of your tear production, eyelids, and meibomian glands. These evaluations help us understand whether your tears are draining properly, whether gland function is optimal, or whether inflammation is present.
Based on findings, we may recommend one or more of the following:
- Artificial tears or prescription drops — to stabilize tear production
- Lid hygiene and eyelid-care regimens — to reduce inflammation and irritation
- OptiLight IPL therapy — a light-based treatment that improves meibomian gland performance and reduces ocular surface inflammation
- Punctal plugs — small devices to slow tear drainage and keep the eye lubricated longer
Every treatment plan is tailored to your eyes and lifestyle. Many patients find lasting relief once the underlying cause is properly addressed.
Why Village Optometry Is Your Go-To for Eye Comfort in Carlsbad
You shouldn’t have to live with constant tearing, itching, or blurry vision. At Village Optometry, our Carlsbad team offers personalized, modern eye care, from routine exams to advanced treatments for ocular surface disease. We understand coastal living, digital lifestyles, and how both impact your eyes.
If your eyes feel dry but seem watery, that contradiction itself warrants evaluation. Schedule a consultation at Village Optometry and let our experts help restore comfort and clarity to your vision.
Learn more about our full range of services, from comprehensive eye exams to dry eye treatments, on our Services page.