What Are Watery Eyes?

Tearing is a natural part of the eye’s function. Excessive tears, or teary eyes that aren’t caused by regular sobbing can indicate a health problem or disease. The tear gland, also known as the lacrimal gland, is positioned above the outer eye and produces eye tears. Tears are made up of three components: water, oil, and antibodies. Moisture from tears on the cornea, the front of the eye, is necessary to keep the cornea from drying out and becoming irritated, which can lead to corneal abrasion and ulcers.

Tears drain from the eye into the nose via tear ducts (lacrimal ducts). If the tear ducts get blocked, tears may pool up in the eye and fall in large amounts. Epiphora, or moist eyes, are sometimes mistaken for tears as a result of this. Tear ducts can get clogged due to infection or inflammation, resulting in excessive tear production.

11 Conditions that Cause Watery Eyes

There are various conditions and factors that cause watery eyes and they include:

Something Entering the Eyes

When a bit of grit, dust, or an eyelash gets into your eye, your body produces additional tears to drain it out. This reaction is triggered even by things that are too small to detect, such as particles in smoke or compounds in onions. Your eyes should cease watering once the problem has been resolved. Other eye problems and health difficulties, on the other hand, can cause you to cry more frequently.

Allergies

Coughing, runny nose, and other basic allergy symptoms are frequently accompanied with watery, itchy eyes. However, eye allergies can occur on their own. Allergy medications, eye drops, and avoiding irritants such as pollen, mold, or pet hair can all help. Colds can induce watery eyes as well, but they won’t itch. That’s one method to detect the difference between a cold and allergies.

Dry Eyes

You may be experiencing this issue because your body does not produce enough tears, they dry up too quickly, or they lack the proper balance of water, oils, and mucus. Windy days to medical factors might all contribute to these problems. Whatever the case may be, your eyes tear up even more.

Blocked Tear Ducts

Tears flow from the tear glands above your eye, spread across the surface of your eyeball, and drain into ducts in the corner in normal situations. However, if the ducts become clogged, tears accumulate and your eye becomes watery. Infections, traumas, and even aging can all contribute to the condition.

Conjunctivitis

For both toddlers and adults, this is a common cause of watery eyes. It can turn one or both eyes pink or red and make them feel scratchy and gritty, as if they’re full of sand. Bacterial or viral infections are the most common cause. If the illness is viral, no treatment is required; however, if the infection is bacterial, antibiotic eye drops may be required.

Scratch in the Eye

Dirt, sand, and contact lenses can scratch the cornea, which is the outer layer of the eyeball. Your eye may tear up, ache, turn red, and become sensitive to light if this happens. While most corneal scrapes heal in a day or two, it’s crucial to see a doctor if you suspect you have one. In order to avoid an infection, you may require therapy.

Stye

They can make your eye wet, but the other symptoms, such as a swollen, red, and uncomfortable lump along the edge of your eyelid, are usually more noticeable. The cause is bacteria, and a stye will most likely be gone on its own in a few days. Meanwhile, leave it alone and avoid popping it like a pimple because you’ll spread the bacteria. Applying a warm towel to your eye may help to relieve the discomfort.

Problem with the Oily Glands

Meibomian glands, which are tiny glands on the edge of your eyelid, produce oils that keep your eyes healthy. They prevent your eyes from drying out too quickly by forming a barrier that keeps tears where they’re needed. Your eye becomes itchy and watery if these glands become blocked and don’t produce enough oil. Warm compresses applied to the eye can assist the glands in resuming normal function.

Blepharitis

Your eyelids expand, usually near the lashes, due to this disorder. It’s possible that your eyes will sting and become watery, red, itchy, and crusty. Infections, rosacea, and allergies are all possible causes. Although blepharitis is a condition that comes and goes, there are treatments that can assist.

Eyelid Issues

Your eyelids function similarly to windshield wipers. They spread tears across your eye and brush away excess moisture when you blink. However, they don’t always function well. Entropion is a condition in which the eyelids and lashes curl inward and brush against the eye. Alternatively, they may sag outward, a condition known as ectropion, preventing the lids from wiping the entire eye when you blink. Both can make your eyes leak. If surgery is required, it can be a long-term solution.

Eyelash Issues

Have you ever had a stubborn brow hair grow in at an odd angle? Your eyelashes are in the same boat. They rub against the eye if they grow in instead of out. Trichiasis is a condition that can develop as a result of infections, injuries, or other issues. Your doctor may remove the eyelash or redirect it so that it points in the appropriate direction to relieve the discomfort and excessive tears.

Other Causes of Watery Eyes

Watery eyes can also be as a result of a variety of medical diseases, including Bell’s palsy, Sjogren’s syndrome, persistent sinus infections, thyroid issues, and rheumatoid arthritis.

How to Treat Watery Eyes

If your eyes are watering due to allergies, eye strain, or exhaustion, press a cold spoon against your closed eyelids to relax your stressed capillaries, or use a warm compress to soften your meibum (the oily material that keeps your eyes’ tear film from evaporating). If you have a stye, a warm compress can help you get rid of it naturally. You can also try to avoid your allergy trigger by taking a nap, meditating with your eyes closed, or setting timers throughout your screen time to remind you to glance away every now and again. You might try adjusting your diet if dry eyes are creating excessive tears. Also, omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil, and drinking more water can naturally moisturize your eyes, allowing them to quit working overtime. You can also increase your intake of vitamin A and beta-carotene to improve your overall eye health.

Lifestyle Changes to Avoid Watery Eyes

To avoid your eyes from drying up and overproducing tears, you can make the following lifestyle changes:

• For a while, try wearing glasses instead of contacts. Wearing contacts causes you to blink less frequently, which can cause your eyes to dry up.
• Remove your eye makeup more thoroughly before going to bed at night. This may necessitate a change in your bedtime routine.
• To protect your eyes from allergens and debris, wear wrap-around safety glasses or sunglasses.
• Remove any dirt and debris from the eyes and eyelids using a sterilized eye wipe.
• Take a break from reading, TV viewing, or computer use.

Now that you Know…

Watery eyes are usually transient and can be cured with eye drops or by taking a break from using digital gadgets, but persistent watering could indicate a more serious issue. Allergies, digital eye strain, worn or torn contact lenses, and debris are the most prevalent causes of watery eyes. Like it or not, your eyes may be watering excessively because they are dry and require moisture. If your eyes continue to water after completing these steps, you may have a more serious eye problem, so see your eye doctor for a diagnosis and treatment and also follow the lifestyle changes to avoid it.