How to Stop Watery Eyes in Their Tracks

The Symptoms of Watery Eyes

Aside from the obvious symptom (excess tears), other symptoms of may pop up alongside your watery eyes. These can include:

• Blurry vision

• Discharge

• Eyelid issues (such as skin being wiped away or the lower lid becoming loose from rubbing/wiping tears continually)

• Discomfort/irritation

• Light sensitivity

Common Causes of Watery Eyes

There are several reasons your eyes may be experiencing epiphora (watery eyes). Some causes may be external, some may be related to health conditions, and some may be the result of habits and behaviors. 

Your eyes have three types of tears: basal/lubricating, reflex, and emotional tears. Basal tears are made at a slow but consistent pace to moisturize the surface of the eye and act as a protective barrier, while reflex tears are produced quickly to respond to stimuli impacting the eye. When your eyes are watery, you experience an increased production of either basal tears or reflex tears.

The most common environmental factors that can cause watery eyes include cold weather, wind, or smoke. These can worsen dry eyes or lead to blocked tear ducts. Tear production and drainage is an intricate, precise process involving the secretory system. If any part of this system is off balance (for example, when your eyes are dry), tear production and drainage can change. While many factors can throw this balance off, issues arise mainly from making too many tears or having poor eye drainage. 

Poor eye drainage often stems from other conditions, like a blocked tear duct. Tear ducts are at the corner of the eyes near the nose. When these are partially or fully clogged, tears can't drain from your eyes into your nose, where they either disappear through evaporation or reabsorption. Tears instead stay in the eye, making it watery and even leading to infection. This can be caused by a narrow tear duct, chronic eye inflammation (like uveitis), swelling, eye infection, glaucoma, previous eye or sinus surgery, and previous cancer treatment (especially radiation therapy or chemotherapy). Even makeup can cause infections, styes, and irritation that can lead to watery eyes. 

Who’s Most Likely to Have Watery Eyes?

Excessive eye watering is most common in newborns and older people. Older individuals may experience eyelid malposition. The basic types, entropion (when the eyelid is turned in toward the eye) and ectropion (when the lower eyelid is turned outward from the eye), can lead to eye watering because the eyelid must be perfectly positioned to prevent it. Both can be treated with surgery.

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction, or dacryostenosis, is a condition that causes excessive eye watering and discharge in 6% to 20% of newborns. It usually fixes itself as the ducts develop or with minimal treatment (including massage, eye drops, and topical antibiotics). By most kids' first birthdays, 90% of cases have resolved.

How to Treat Watery Eyes

Because there are so many different causes for watery eyes, your treatment will vary. Your Clarkson Eyecare doctor may simply recommend you keep an eye on it for a bit to see if it gets better on its own. There are several at-home remedies you can try on your own to stop watery eyes.

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops and Artificial Tears

Using over-the-counter or prescribed eye drops can help lubricate the eye and stop surface irritation from a variety of factors, including DES. These drops are available from most local pharmacies, but not all artificial tears are created equal. Look for preservative-free, single-use variants if you rely on drops more than four times a day, as repeated exposure to preservatives can actually worsen irritation. If you need something a bit stronger, your Clarkson Eyecare doctor may prescribe something for your watery eyes. 

Allergy Medicines

When pollen, pet dander, or dust mites cause your eyes to water, addressing the allergic response directly brings the fastest relief. Antihistamine eye drops or an oral antihistamine medication are best for allergy-induced tearing, but for severe flare-ups, your eye doctor may prescribe a short course of topical corticosteroid drops to calm inflammation. 

A Cool Humidifier in the Winter

Winter tends to cause the air to dry out, evaporating tears before they can protect the cornea and leading to dry eyes. A cool indoor humidifier can help keep the air from getting dry and stop watery eyes caused by excessive dryness. Aim for a relative humidity of 40–50 percent; most units display readings on an integrated hygrometer. Empty, rinse, and dry the reservoir daily to prevent mold or bacteria and replace filters as directed. 

Warm Compresses

Consistent warmth loosens the oily secretions in the meibomian glands along the eyelid margin, allowing tears to form a more stable film and reducing reflex tearing. You can purchase an eye compress to help relieve a host of issues that can cause excessive eye watering, including DES, blocked tear ducts, and even stye or chalazion. You can also make your own by wetting a washcloth with warm (not hot) water and applying it to your eyelids for five to 10 minutes. Skip the warm compress if the eyelid skin looks red or infected and always wash your hands before and after treatment. 

When Should You See a Doctor for Watery Eyes?

If you experience a sudden drop in vision, pain around the eyes, or feel like something is stuck in your eye, you should seek medical assistance right away. These could be signs of larger eye health issues such as an eye injury or eye infection. Your eye doctor will be able to determine the cause of your watery eyes and, depending on your condition, may prescribe oral antibiotics or medicated eye drops to treat it.