Why do watery eyes come and go with TED? It's actually a bit of a paradox — watery eyes are often a sign of dryness. When eyes get irritated or dry, the tear gland kicks into overdrive and produces excess tears. This is called reflex tearing.
The "on and off" nature happens because your eyes react to triggers in your Show Full Answer
Why do watery eyes come and go with TED? It's actually a bit of a paradox — watery eyes are often a sign of dryness. When eyes get irritated or dry, the tear gland kicks into overdrive and produces excess tears. This is called reflex tearing.
The "on and off" nature happens because your eyes react to triggers in your environment throughout the day, such as:
- Wind or air conditioning
- Screens or bright lights
- Dust or other airborne irritants
- Changes in humidity
So the wateriness tends to flare up when these triggers are present and settle down when they're not. Your current treatment sounds like a solid foundation. Here are some additional things worth discussing with your doctor that may help:
- Preservative-free lubricating drops — If using drops frequently (more than 4 times a day), preservatives in standard drops can actually worsen irritation over time
- Gel-based drops or ointments at night — These stay on the eye longer and are great for overnight protection
- Cool compresses — Can soothe irritation and reduce swelling
- Sunglasses outdoors — Protects against light sensitivity, wind, and UV rays
- Sleeping with head elevated — Reduces pressure and swelling around the eyes
- A humidifier at home or work — Helps keep the air moist and less irritating to your eyes
- Taping eyelids at night — If your eyelids don't fully close during sleep, this can prevent overnight drying (use hypoallergenic skin tape)
One TEDhealthteam member shared that they use eye drops during the day and sleep with a moisture mask at night — another option worth exploring! A gentle but important reminder — selenium is generally only recommended for a six-month course, and taking too much can be harmful. It's worth checking in with your doctor to make sure your current dose and duration are still appropriate for you.
Open communication with your ophthalmologist or endocrinologist about any changes in symptoms is always a good idea, even when things seem mild.
October 27
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