Persistent Eye Tears: Allergies or Dry Eye Syndrome?

Q: Persistent Eye Tears: Allergies or Dry Eye Syndrome?

Hello： Suddenly experiencing severe eye pain and excessive tearing, based on my experience, may be due to the oil secreted from the eyelids entering the eye. <br>If tears flow and dilute it, the stinging sensation will disappear. <br>In such cases, quickly wash the area around th

Excessive tearing?

I woke up this morning with a stinging sensation in my eyes and a feeling of something foreign in them.
I didn't pay much attention at first, thinking it was an allergy, as I've been experiencing this frequently after showering lately.
I've seen a doctor more than eight times, and no one has said much (I've seen five different doctors, and two mentioned slight abrasions on the cornea).
Usually, I just tear up, and it resolves in about 30 minutes, but this morning, for some reason, my tears kept flowing, and I had intermittent stinging for almost three hours before it stopped.
I suspect I might have had a stray eyelash, but it was the same as before.
I also experienced a runny nose and nasal discharge, but this time my eyeball wasn't red, only with some blood vessels showing.
I would like to ask the doctor if this is an allergic reaction or dry eye syndrome.
I've been drinking very little water lately; could that cause dry eyes, or could a foreign body also lead to this? I feel somewhat better now; do I still need to seek medical attention, or should I just monitor the situation?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/29

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Suddenly experiencing severe eye pain and excessive tearing, based on my experience, may be due to the oil secreted from the eyelids entering the eye.
If tears flow and dilute it, the stinging sensation will disappear.
In such cases, quickly wash the area around the eyelids or use a clean, damp tissue to wipe the eyelids, which should alleviate the symptoms.
To improve this condition, maintain good hygiene around the eyelashes, reduce the intake of fried foods and irritants, avoid staying up late, and apply a warm compress with a hot towel when possible.
However, if tears have been flowing for nearly three hours and a lash has come out, this may indicate a foreign body in the eye, and removing the foreign object should resolve the issue.
The presence of nasal discharge along with tears is because tears naturally flow into the nasal cavity through the nasolacrimal duct; when a large amount of tears enters the nasal cavity, it can resemble a runny nose.
Since the symptoms have already alleviated, there may be no need for medical attention.
Please continue to observe your condition.
For further assistance, you can visit the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses are for reference only; if necessary, it is still advisable to seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2019/10/29

More Info

Understanding the symptoms you are experiencing can be quite complex, especially when it comes to differentiating between allergies and dry eye syndrome. Based on your description, it seems you are dealing with a combination of symptoms that could be attributed to both conditions.

Firstly, let's address the persistent tearing and discomfort you are experiencing. The fact that you woke up with a stinging sensation and a feeling of having something in your eye could indicate several possibilities. One common cause of such symptoms is dry eye syndrome, which occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to irritation, a sensation of dryness, and even reflex tearing, where the eyes produce excess tears in response to irritation. In your case, the fact that you have experienced this for several hours, along with the presence of bloodshot eyes, suggests that your eyes may be reacting to some form of irritation or inflammation.

On the other hand, the presence of nasal symptoms like runny nose and the fact that you have had episodes of tearing after showering could indicate an allergic reaction. Allergies can cause the eyes to become inflamed and produce excess tears as a response to allergens such as dust, pollen, or even temperature changes. The combination of tearing, nasal discharge, and the absence of significant redness in the eyes could suggest that allergies are playing a role in your symptoms.

Regarding your question about hydration, it is indeed possible that not drinking enough water can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Dehydration can lead to a decrease in tear production, which may worsen the discomfort associated with dry eyes. It is essential to maintain adequate hydration, especially if you are prone to dry eye syndrome.

Given that you have seen multiple doctors and have had some tests done, it may be beneficial to continue monitoring your symptoms. If the tearing and discomfort persist or worsen, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation from an eye care specialist. They may consider additional tests, such as tear break-up time or osmolarity testing, to assess the quality and quantity of your tears more accurately.

In summary, your symptoms could be indicative of either dry eye syndrome, allergic reactions, or a combination of both. It is essential to stay hydrated, observe your symptoms, and consult with an eye care professional if your condition does not improve. If you notice any significant changes, such as increased redness, pain, or vision changes, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

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