Health

Is Watery Eyes Really a Problem?

Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by Jawad Ali

Eyes provide sight. Eyes are fragile. They are required to be lubricated to prevent friction between eyelids. Therefore, tears are spread on the eyes. In addition to lubrication, tears also help remove foreign particles and dust and have some antiseptic properties. Therefore, tears are considered a part of the immune system.

Eyelid glands generate tears. Blinking spreads, the tears on your eyes, keeping your eyes moist.

Tears are generally discharged and evaporate. Sometimes, your eyes produce too many tears and develop watery eyes.

Watery Eyes


Overflowing tears cause tearing eyes. There is often no clear explanation for watery eyes.

There are more requirements for medical help most of the time, but sometimes, it may lead to chronic issues. So, grab tissue paper and dab your eyes.

Causes


We commonly produce more than usual tears while being emotional, coughing, laughing, or yawning. But sometimes, more tears are produced due to other reasons as well.

There is a medical condition called Dry Eye Syndrome which can lead to watery eyes because dry eyes trigger the production of excessive tears. Even after producing sufficient tears, your eyes kept making more and more tears which could cause watery eyes.

Your tears require perfect ingredients such as a balanced level of salts, water, and oils. If the balance is disturbed, your eyes can become too dry, causing complications. This irritation provides the stimulus to excessive tear production, which could spell out of your eyes.

Among the other mentioned problems, some other typical causes are listed below:

  • Eyes Strain.
  • Harsh Weather Conditions (i.e., wind, cold, or sunshine).
  • Allergies and infections.
  • Common Colds and flu.
  • Exposure to bright light.
  • Long-term exposure to mobile phones or screens.
  • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eyes).
  • Injury to your eyes.
  • Side effects to some medications.
  • Facial Surgery.
  • Cancer treatments (Chemotherapy and radiotherapy).
  • Trichiasis (Ingrown Eyelashes).
  • Blocked Tear Ducts.
  • Extended use of contact lenses can irritate your eyes.

Watery eyes are generally not a severe problem and may resolve on their own. But in case of prolonged experience, they consult your healthcare provider.

When to See a doctor?


Knowing the reason for watery eyes is extremely important to know when consulting an eye specialist. As mentioned earlier, prolonged exposure to watery eyes required expert checkups. If watery eyes come along with the other symptoms mentioned below, you should call your doctor.

  • Discharge and bleeding from your eyes.
  • Visual disturbances.
  • Vision Loss.
  • Scratched eyes.
  • Splitting chemicals in your eyes.
  • Eyes problems along with Severe headache.
  • Red, swollen, or irritating eyes.
  • Stuck foreign particles in your eyes.
  • Tenderness around your nose or Sinuses.

Your doctor can ask you questions to diagnose the issue. So, get ready to answer general questions of a physician such as:

  • When did the watery eye problem start?
  • Does it occur often?
  • What’s the duration?
  • Eye pain?

Treatment


Mostly, there is no requirement of any treatment for watery eyes since they clear up after some time. If it takes more time, your healthcare provider will perform a physical eye exam to diagnose the problem.

Your doctor would prescribe you the following measures:

  • Eye Drops.
  • Antibiotics (If it is due to an infection).
  • Treating allergies (if any).
  • Surgical procedure if there are blocked eye problems.
  • Other eye-related surgeries as required.
  • Your physician also prescribes some over-the-counter (such as antihistamines) medications.

You may also acquire some remedies which could help you prevent and treat mild eye problems at home, such as placing a warm towel on your eyes several times a day. This will help you with your blocked tear duct.

Conclusion


Watery eyes can irritate your daily lifestyle. It is not something to hype. However, consulting a specialist is fruitful. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1-What are watery eyes called medically?


Medically, Watery eyes are termed epiphora and indicate a condition when you have excessive tear production.

2-Can lack of sleep leads to watery eyes?


Insufficient sleep can cause excessive tear production. You may experience red eyes as well when you do not sleep well.

3-How to stop watery eyes naturally?


Using tea bags is proven an effective remedy for getting rid of watery eyes. Put warm tea bags on your eyes to soothe them.

4-Are watery eyes a symptom of COVID-19?


Watery eyes are generally not a symptom of coronavirus. Coronavirus symptoms usually do not cause irritated, itchy, and watery eyes.

Olivia Rodriguez

Olivia Rodriguez is a registered dietitian and health coach with a passion for helping people lead healthier lives. With over 8 years of experience in the field, Olivia has worked with individuals and families to develop personalized nutrition and wellness plans that promote optimal health and well-being. She is a frequent contributor to health and wellness publications and has written extensively on topics such as plant-based nutrition, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. Olivia believes that good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and her mission is to help people make sustainable changes that improve their health and happiness. When she's not working with clients or writing, Olivia enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, and exploring new healthy food options.

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