WATERY EYES
SYMPTOM GUIDE
Watery eyes can be common and although they could get better on their own in some cases you may need advice of an eye care professional. It can be normal for your eyes to water in some environments such as outside in the wind, in cold weather or smoky environments. Dry eye can also be a lesser-known cause of watery eyes. With that in mind, this symptom guide will help to further understand why watery eyes happen and what to do if you experience this symptom.
Common causes of watery eyes
There are many reasons why watery eyes might occur, including environmental factors that could cause eyes to feel more watery than usual.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Cold temperatures, wind and smoke can cause watery eyes. The cold weather and wind can contribute to irritating your eyes as well as potentially drying your eyes out. which might cause your eyes to overproduce tears because of disruption to the tear film.
FOREIGN OBJECTS
Something in your eye such as an eyelash, piece of grit or dirt can also make your eyes water. This is because the eye produces extra tears due to the irritation, designed to help wash out the foreign object.
RELATED EYE CONDITIONS LINKED TO WATERY EYES
In some cases, watery eyes can be due to an eye condition. Here are just some of the possible eye conditions that are linked to watery eyes.
DRY EYE
Dry eye can cause eyes to water more than usual. As the eyes can feel gritty and irritated, it may result in the eyes becoming watery.
MGD
Meibomian gland dysfunction can cause watery eyes. This is because there is a lack of lipid, which leads to tear evaporation. The eyes then have a reflex to produce more tears to make up for this.
BLEPHARITIS
Watery eyes can be a symptom of blepharitis, which causes inflammation around the eyelids. In some cases, you may notice eyes watering more in reaction to the environment.
There are other potential related eye conditions that could cause watery eyes, such as irritation from allergies. Watery eyes could also occur due to issues such as blocked tear drainage ducts, eyelid position issues or related to illnesses like viral conjunctivitis. If you experience any new eye symptoms like watery eyes, or just one eye begins to water, speak to an eye care professional.
What to do if you have watery eyes
The most important thing to do if you’re experiencing a new eye symptom such as watery eyes is to see an eye care professional to find the cause. This is particularly crucial if you have any other symptoms like pain or change in vision.
You can help to soothe the area by using a warm compress, which may also help to unblock glands if this is causing the watery eyes. Blepha EyeBag can help to relieve symptoms from the likes of dry eye, blepharitis and more.
Using suitable eyedrops can help to hydrate the eye and reduce dryness, which in turn can reduce watery eyes. Thealoz Duo eye drops can relieve discomfort and irritation, by delivering long-lasting protection and relief.1 They are also preservative-free.
Explore other eye symptoms
Find out more about other eye symptoms below, or visit the Eye Symptom Checker to find out more information.
RED EYESSTICKY EYESBLURRED VISIONReferences:
1. Schmidl D, Schmetterer L, Witkowska KJ, Unterhuber A, dos Santos VA, Kaya S, Nepp J, Baar C, Rosner P, Werkmeister RM, Garhofer G. Tear film thickness after treatment with artificial tears in patients with moderate dry eye disease. Cornea. 2015 Apr;34(4):421-6.
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