Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Dry Eyes on July 7, 2026
July is Dry Eye Awareness Month, and for the millions of Americans who deal with burning, gritty, or watery eyes by the end of each day, it’s a chance to finally get answers. Dry eye is one of the most common reasons people see an eye doctor, yet many of the basics, what causes it, why it sometimes makes the eyes water, and what actually works to treat it, get tangled up in conflicting advice from friends, social media, and the drugstore aisle.
Working through a few common questions can make a real difference in how comfortable your eyes feel from day to day. The experienced team at EyeHealth Northwest provides comprehensive dry eye management and helps patients across the Portland metro find relief that lasts longer than a quick splash of artificial tears.
1. What Actually Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the tear film cannot properly coat and protect the eye’s surface. Tears are made of three layers: an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer, and a mucus inner layer. Trouble with any of them can lead to symptoms.
The most common culprit is meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition in which the small oil glands along the eyelid margins become blocked, preventing the release of lipids that help prevent tears from evaporating. Aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, contact lens wear, screen use, and dry indoor air can all contribute to dry eye syndrome.
2. Why Do Dry Eyes Sometimes Water?
It may seem counterintuitive, but watery eyes are among the most common signs of dry eye. When the eye’s surface becomes irritated, the lacrimal gland responds by producing a flood of reflex tears. These reflex tears lack the proper balance of oil, water, and mucus, so they run off the eye instead of forming a stable protective layer.
Patients often describe a cycle of burning, then watering, then burning again. Watering does not mean the eye is well-lubricated; it indicates an underlying problem with the tear film’s structure.
3. Are Over-the-Counter Drops Enough?
For mild, occasional dryness, preservative-free artificial tears can absolutely help. The trouble starts when symptoms become chronic. Drops alone do not address blocked oil glands, hormonal shifts, or inflammation along the lid margins, so relief tends to be short-lived.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, dry eye affects an estimated 16 million Americans and often requires a treatment plan tailored to the underlying cause, rather than just symptom control.
4. How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
A proper diagnosis goes far beyond reporting symptoms. During an evaluation, an eye doctor will examine the tear film, assess the meibomian glands, and may use imaging technology such as LipiView to evaluate how the oil glands function. Patients who want a quick starting point can take a dry eye self-test before their visit to help guide the conversation with their ophthalmologist.
5. What Treatments Are Available Beyond Drops?
The right approach depends on the cause and severity. Options include prescription anti-inflammatory drops, punctal plugs, omega-3 supplements, and structured lid hygiene routines.
For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, in-office LipiFlow thermal pulsation treatment uses gentle heat and pressure to clear blocked glands and restore natural oil flow. A full overview of available dry eye treatment options helps patients understand which path may be the right fit.
Find Lasting Relief This Dry Eye Awareness Month
Symptoms that come back day after day are a sign that the underlying cause has not been addressed. A comprehensive evaluation can pinpoint why the tear film is failing and match each patient with the treatment most likely to bring real, sustained comfort.
Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
