Watery Eyes

When there is either excessive tear production or inadequate drainage from the eye or eyes, watery eyes appear. Watery eyes, sometimes referred to as epiphora, cause tears to spill out across the face. Water spills into the face when there is too much fluid present, or tears cannot adequately drain via the nasolacrimal system. Depending on the reason, watery eyes could go away by themselves. Self-care practices at home may be helpful in the treatment of watery eyes, especially if inflammation or dry eyes are to blame. If watery eyes last for a long time and are accompanied by other symptoms, one should see a doctor.

Types of Watery Eyes

There are several types of watery eyes, each with different underlying causes. Here are some common types:

• Epiphora: This is a term for the most common type of watery eyes, where the eyes produce excess tears. It can be caused by various factors, including irritation, allergies, dry eye syndrome, or even emotional responses like crying.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergies to substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can lead to watery eyes. The eyes become red and itchy, and excess tearing is a common symptom.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: Paradoxically, dry eye syndrome can cause watery eyes. When the eyes are not producing enough high-quality tears, they can become irritated, leading to reflex tearing as a protective response.
• Blocked Tear Ducts: Blocked or narrowed tear ducts can prevent tears from draining properly. This can be due to a variety of factors, including infections, inflammation, or structural issues. It can lead to watery eyes because tears cannot flow away.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), can cause excessive tearing along with other symptoms like redness and discharge.

Symptoms of Watery Eyes

Here are a few signs and symptoms of watery eyes one could encounter:

• Puffiness and redness of the eyes
• Eye discomfort
• Inflammation or infection
• Vision impairment
• Allergy
• Sneezing
• Eye twitching and discharge

Causes of Watery Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common causes of watery eyes. When the eyes do not receive enough lubrication, it leads to constant tearing, which perpetuates the cycle.

Some more common reasons include:

• Weather conditions such as wind, sun, cold, and dust.
• Environmental elements like pollution and strong light.
• Swelling of the eyelid.
• Ingrown eyelashes.
• Clogged tear ducts.
• A scratch or scrape on the eye.
• Cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation.
• Certain prescription medications.
• Irritant gasses, liquids, foreign objects, or chemicals in the eyes.
• Eyelid twitches, either inward or outward.
• Allergies, sinus issues, and the common cold.

Watery eyes usually subside on their own once the underlying issue is resolved or the eyes have fully recovered. However, in some circumstances, the condition may persist.

How do tears drain and why do watery eyes happen?

Tears are essential for maintaining eye health and lubrication. They're produced by the lacrimal glands located above each eye. When you blink, tears spread across the surface of your eye, keeping it moist and washing away debris or foreign particles.

After tears serve their purpose, they need to drain away. This drainage occurs through small openings called puncta, located on the inner corner of each eyelid. From there, tears travel through tiny channels called canaliculi, then into the lacrimal sac, and finally down the nasolacrimal duct, which connects to the nasal cavity. That's why sometimes when you cry or your eyes water, you might also experience a runny nose.

Watery eyes (Epiphora) can happen for various reasons:

• Irritants: When your eyes are exposed to irritants like smoke, dust, pollen, or chemicals, they produce more tears as a protective mechanism to flush out the irritants.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause the eyes to become watery as part of the body's immune response to allergens.
• Dry Eyes: Paradoxically, dry eyes can also lead to watery eyes. When your eyes are dry, they may overcompensate by producing more tears in an attempt to lubricate the surface.
• Blocked Tear Ducts: If the drainage system for tears is blocked or narrowed, tears can't drain properly, leading to watery eyes. This can happen due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or structural abnormalities.
• Emotional Response: Strong emotions such as sadness, happiness, or laughter can trigger tear production, leading to epiphora.

How are Watery Eyes diagnosed?

Diagnosing watery eyes is not too difficult. A doctor will investigate the origin of the condition to rule out lesions, infections, entropion (an inward turning eyelid), or ectropion (an outward-turning eyelid).

In some circumstances, the patient may need to see an eye care professional who will examine their eyes, potentially while they are sedated. To determine whether the tiny drainage channels inside the eye are obstructed, the doctor might need to probe them. Additionally, they could introduce a substance into a tear duct to observe if it leaks out of the patient's nose. If the patient can feel the fluid in their nose, it indicates that their tear system is not obstructed. However, if it is obstructed, the liquid will flow back toward the eye.

Treatment for Watery Eyes

What is causing watery eyes will determine how to treat them. Temporary watery eyes that naturally resolve without medical intervention affect many people. The specific treatment required by the patient will be determined by the doctor. The most typical therapies include:

• Prescribed Eye Drops: If watery eyes result from conditions like dry eyes or inflammation, the doctor may recommend specific eye drops. These drops can help lubricate the eyes, reduce irritation, and improve tear film stability, ultimately alleviating excessive tearing.
• Addressing Allergies: Allergies, such as hay fever, can lead to eye irritation and excessive tearing. Allergy management may involve antihistamines, decongestants, or topical eye drops to control the allergic response and relieve watery eyes.
• Prescribing Medications for Infections: If watery eyes are due to an eye infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications to clear the infection. This can help resolve the underlying issue and reduce tearing.
• Surgical Removal of Clogged Tear Ducts: In cases where the tear ducts are blocked or narrowed, leading to poor drainage of tears, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a procedure to create a new drainage pathway for tears, bypassing the blocked duct.
• Surgical Tear Drainage Repair: Sometimes, tear ducts or drainage systems may be damaged or not functioning properly due to congenital conditions or injury. Surgery can be performed to repair or reconstruct the tear drainage system, allowing tears to drain effectively.

When to call a doctor?

The best therapy for watery eye syndrome may depend on the cause. If a patient experiences persistent or excessive tearing and any of the following signs, they should consult a doctor or an eye specialist:

• Eyesight problems or abnormal vision.
• Scratched or injured eye.
• Intense headache and vision problems.
• Substances in the eyes.
• Eye discharge or bleeding.
• Presence of a foreign object lodged in the eyelid's interior.
• Red, swollen, itchy, or painful eyes.
• Unusual bruising around the eye.
• Sensitivity in the sinus or nasal area.
• Watery eyes that do not resolve on their own.

Prevention Tips for Watery Eyes

Preventing watery eyes can involve various strategies depending on the underlying cause. Here are some general prevention tips:

• Avoid Irritants: Minimize exposure to smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne irritants that can trigger excessive tear production.
• Protective Eyewear: Wear goggles or sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind, dust, and other environmental factors that can cause irritation.
• Proper Eye Hygiene: Keep your eyes clean by washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes, which can introduce irritants or allergens.
• Manage Allergies: If you have allergies, identify and avoid triggers whenever possible. Consider using over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Humidify the Air: In dry environments, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help prevent dry eyes and excessive tear production as a compensatory response.
• Blink Regularly: If you spend a lot of time staring at screens, remember to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist and prevent dryness.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain overall hydration, which can help keep your eyes properly lubricated.
• Proper Contact Lens Care: If you wear contact lenses, follow the recommended cleaning and disinfection procedures to prevent irritation and infection, which can lead to watery eyes.
• Regular Eye Exams: Schedule routine eye exams with an eye care professional to monitor your eye health, detect any underlying conditions early, and receive appropriate treatment.

Home Remedies

• One of the best natural treatments for eye infections is saltwater or saline solution. Saline solution is comparable to tears, which is the natural way the eye cleans itself. Additionally, salt has antibacterial qualities. It follows that saline can successfully treat eye infections in light of this.
• One approach to unwind and relax is to place cold tea bags over closed eyelids. This has been suggested as a potential at-home remedy for eye infections.
• If the eyes are painful, inflamed, or irritated, warm compresses may relieve styes by removing the obstructions that cause the stye. They may also help relieve symptoms of dry eyes.
• Cold compresses do not exactly treat eye infections, similar to hot compresses. However, they can lessen the discomfort caused by some eye conditions. In cases of eye illnesses or injuries, cold compresses help minimize swelling.
• The use of honey eye drops to treat eye infections has shown promising results in some trials.
• Other practices to consider include putting down the book, turning off the TV, or closing the computer.

Conclusion

Rarely do watery eyes signal something concerning. In reality, watery eyes are often not a cause for concern. The most frequent cause of watery eyes is a foreign object, such as a speck of dust, that gets into the eye. The body will try to flush out the irritation by making the eyes wet. However, several diseases can also cause watery eyes, and if left untreated, they can worsen. It is a good idea to schedule a visit with a doctor to determine the cause if the watery eyes persist.

FAQs

1. What do watery eyes indicate?

Allergy to dust, dander, or mold is one reason why someone may have watery eyes. Another possible cause is blepharitis, which is swelling along the margin of the eyelid or obstruction in the tear duct.

2. What is the best medicine for watery eyes?

The best treatment for watery eyes caused by allergies is an antihistamine. For pink eyes, antibiotic eye drops are excellent. If watery eyes are due to an underlying eye problem or illness, an optometrist or ophthalmologist may recommend medicated eye drops or another type of treatment.

3. Are watery eyes a serious problem?

Watery eyes might be a temporary issue, but they could also be a symptom of a serious eye infection or a blockage in the tear ducts. If the eyes are continually watering or if there are vision problems, it is advisable to visit a doctor.

4. Can watery eyes cause headaches?

Watery eyes themselves typically don't cause headaches directly. However, if your watery eyes are due to underlying issues like allergies, sinus congestion, or eye strain, these conditions might contribute to headaches. It's essential to identify the root cause of both symptoms and address them accordingly.

5. How to stop watery eyes?

Stopping watery eyes depends on the underlying cause. If your watery eyes are due to irritants or allergens, avoiding triggers and using antihistamines or allergy medications may help. Proper eye hygiene, humidifying the air, and protecting your eyes from environmental factors can also be beneficial. However, if the problem persists or worsens, consult an eye doctor for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

6. What do I have watery eyes with discharge?

Watery eyes accompanied by discharge can indicate an underlying infection or inflammation, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or a blocked tear duct. If you're experiencing watery eyes with discharge, especially if it's accompanied by redness, itching, or pain, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider can diagnose the underlying cause and prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other interventions.

7. Which eye drops can be used for watery eyes?

The choice of eye drops for watery eyes depends on the underlying cause. If your watery eyes are due to allergies, antihistamine eye drops can help alleviate symptoms by reducing inflammation and itching. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide relief for dry eyes, which can sometimes lead to watery eyes as a compensatory response. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using any eye drops, especially if you have pre-existing eye conditions or are unsure about the cause of your symptoms. They can recommend the most suitable eye drops for your specific situation and ensure they're safe and effective for you.

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17944-epiphora-watery-eyes 

CARE Medical Team

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