How Can You Stop Watery Eyes?

The Symptoms of Watery Eyes

Aside from the obvious symptom of excessive tears, other signs may accompany your watery eyes. These can include:

• Blurry vision 

• Discharge  

• Eyelid issues (such as irritation or looseness from constant wiping of tears)  

• Discomfort/irritation 

• Light sensitivity 

What Causes Watery Eyes?

There are various reasons your eyes might be watery. Some causes are external factors, while others are linked to health conditions or even lifestyle habits.

Your eyes naturally produce three types of tears: basal (lubricating), reflex (triggered by irritation), and emotional tears. Basal tears are produced steadily to keep the surface of your eyes moist, while reflex tears are created in response to irritants like smoke or onions. When your eyes become watery, it means you’re either producing more basal or reflex tears than normal.

Several common environmental factors can cause watery eyes, including cold weather, wind, or smoke. These factors can aggravate dry eyes or cause blockages in the tear ducts. Tear production and drainage is a delicate process that relies on balance. If something disrupts this balance, such as dry eyes, tear production or drainage can be affected. Most issues arise when your eyes either produce too many tears or have trouble draining them properly.

One of the leading causes of poor drainage is a blocked tear duct. Tear ducts are located near the inner corners of your eyes and drain tears from the eyes into your nose. When these ducts become clogged, tears are unable to drain properly and remain in the eye, causing excessive watering. Blocked ducts can be caused by a number of factors, including narrow ducts, chronic eye inflammation (like uveitis), swelling, eye infections, glaucoma, or even past surgeries like eye, sinus, or cancer treatments (including radiation and chemotherapy). Makeup can also contribute to irritation, styes, and infections, leading to watery eyes. 

Who’s Most Likely to Experience Watery Eyes?

Excessive eye watering is more common in both newborns and older adults. In older individuals, eyelid issues such as malposition can contribute to watery eyes. Conditions like entropion (where the eyelid turns inward toward the eye) and ectropion (where the lower eyelid turns outward) can both result in excessive tearing. These issues can usually be addressed with surgery.

In newborns, nasolacrimal duct obstruction (also known as dacryostenosis) is a common cause of watery eyes. This condition, which affects 6% to 20% of babies, usually resolves on its own as the tear ducts develop, or with minimal intervention such as massage, eye drops, or topical antibiotics. By the time children reach their first birthday, 90% of these cases typically resolve.

How to Treat Watery Eyes

Since watery eyes can be caused by a wide range of factors, treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. Your EyeCare Associates doctor might suggest monitoring the condition to see if it resolves on its own. There are also several home remedies you can try to manage excessive tearing.

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops and Artificial Tears

Using over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can help lubricate the eyes and relieve irritation from various factors, including dry eye syndrome (DES). These drops are available at most pharmacies, but it’s important to choose the right type. If you use drops frequently, opt for preservative-free, single-use options to avoid worsening irritation. If necessary, your EyeCare Associates doctor may prescribe stronger eye drops to address your symptoms.

Allergy Medicines

When allergies from pollen, pet dander, or dust mites cause watery eyes, addressing the allergic response directly can provide quick relief. Antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines work well for allergy-induced tearing. For severe flare-ups, your doctor may recommend a short course of corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.

Use a Humidifier in the Winter

Winter air often leads to dryness that can evaporate protective tears from your eyes, resulting in dryness and irritation. A cool mist humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, which reduces tear evaporation and prevents watery eyes due to excessive dryness. Aim to maintain a relative humidity of 40-50%, and be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to avoid mold and bacteria buildup.

Warm Compresses

Applying warmth to the eyelids can help loosen the oils in the meibomian glands, leading to better tear film stability and reduced reflex tearing. A warm compress can address a variety of issues causing watery eyes, including dry eye syndrome, blocked tear ducts, or styes. You can either purchase an eye compress or create your own by wetting a washcloth with warm (not hot) water and applying it to your eyelids for five to 10 minutes. If your eyelid is red or infected, skip the compress and consult with your eye doctor. Always wash your hands before and after applying the compress. 

When Should You See a Doctor for Watery Eyes?

If you experience sudden vision changes, pain around your eyes, or a sensation of something being stuck in your eye, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. These could be symptoms of more serious eye health issues, such as an injury or infection. An eye care professional will be able to identify the cause of your watery eyes and, if necessary, may prescribe oral antibiotics or medicated eye drops to address the issue.