What’s causing my annoying watery eyes?

Why are my eyes watering?

Watery eyes can be an annoying and problematic symptom, which is why it’s important to find out what’s causing it so you can help stop it.

The main issue with watery eyes is once they start watering, it seems impossible to make them stop! But if you can find out the cause, you can find out how to stop them.

What are watery eyes? (3)

Eyes that feel abnormally wet or watery
Tears running down your face
Tears building up in your eyes when you’re not crying or laughing

Why do your eyes water?

Usually, glands in your eyelids secrete an oily substance that slows the evaporation of tears between blinks. (2)

When these glands don’t function properly, you may develop dry patches on your eye. (2)

These patches become sore and extra tears are produced as a reflex, which is why your eyes might start to water. (2)

Common causes of watery eyes: (1)

Seasonal allergies
Outside in cold or windy weather
Smoky environment
An eye injury
Something in your eye, like an eyelash

Other possible causes of watery eyes: (2)

Inflammation of the edges of the eyelids
Blocked or narrowed tear ducts
Eye irritation
An eye infection
An allergy

You can also get watery eyes because of having dry eyes & dry eyes can be caused by: (4)

Looking at screens for a long time
Drinking alcohol
Wearing contact lenses
Bright sunlight
Being indoors with air-con or heaters

How to treat watery eyes

As each cause of watery eyes is different and often goes away on its own, treatment isn’t always necessary.

If your eye is watering because there’s something in it, like an eyelash or piece of grit, blinking repeatedly can help get it out. Similarly rinsing your eyes with a sterile eyewash can help too. (4)

As watery eyes can be caused by dry eyes, a lubricating eye drop like Murine® Dry and Tired Eye Drops can prevent your eyes from drying out and therefore stopping them from watering too much.

Added content references –

https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/watering-eyes/ (1)

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/watering-eyes?srsltid=AfmBOorN9PLC6Qm_T66GVyyZLJcQ8ZkkTfRHeuslBDw8107jjqRn3KDW (2)

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17944-epiphora-watery-eyes (3)

https://www.visionexpress.com/eye-health/watery-eyes