Is Your Eyes are Always Watery
Eyes are watery and blurry, or epiphora as it is officially called, are a common but often misdiagnosed condition. While tearing up from time to time is perfectly natural — in particular on windy days or when you’re chopping onions — chronically watery eyes could be a sign that you have an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Tears are indispensable for keeping the eyes healthy. They keep the surface lubricated, wash away irritants, and help protect against infection. But when these same systems that drain or produce tears run amok, it can lead to too much watering—whether watery eyes in the morning, burn when you produce tears, or simply start running whenever it’s cold outside or you have a cold.
In this blog, we will discuss the common reasons what causes watery eyes, treatment of watery eyes both at home and medically, and how to help prevent getting watery eyes. If you’re in the UK and thinking, “Why my eyes are always watery?” — Chase Lodge Hospital is all here to support you.
What Causes Watery Eyes?
Our eyes never stop producing tears, which help keep the eyes moist and protected. These tears are drained via small openings in the inner corners of the eyes, called puncta, that connect to the tear ducts, which open into the nasal cavity. When this process goes awry — when there is overproduction of watery tears or when drainage is obstructed — you have eyes are watery and blurry.
- One of the top offenders is allergies, especially seasonal allergies such as hay fever. Redness, itchiness and excess tearing — often with a runny nose — are triggered by histamines, released in response to allergic reactions. Antihistamines are usually used for watery eyes and runny nose.
- One infection that can make the eye swollen and red is conjunctivitis (pink eye), which triggers a watery discharge. Because some of these infections need antibiotic or viral drops.
- Blocked tear ducts, which are most often seen in infants and older adults, interfere with the proper drainage of tears, causing an overflow.
- Dry eyes sound kooky, but they prompt reflex tearing. When your eyes get too dry, they try to compensate by pouring out tears.
- Environmental irritants like smoke, dust and wind can cause temporary watery eyes, particularly if you work outdoors or in a polluted environment.
- Ageing is a factor as well — tear ducts can narrow or get blocked as we get older, and what causes watery eyes in the elderly.
- And eye strain, especially from extended screen time, can fatigue the eyes and cause vision to become eyes are watery and blurry.
Watery Eyes in Infants and Newborns
Babies and newborns are usually watery-eyed because their tear ducts are underdeveloped or even blocked. This usually goes away on its own within the first year of life, but gentle care helps.
Parents can help with tear duct massages. With a freshly washed finger, place a mild downward pressure in the corner of the baby’s eye. This may help drain tears.
See a doctor for advice if the baby’s eye is red, swollen or has yellowish discharge, as this could indicate infection. If the watery eyes in infants persist for more than 12 months, an ophthalmologist may recommend further investigation or removal of the abnormality in a minor procedure.
Common Symptoms Associated with Watery Eyes
Watery eyes are often accompanied by other symptoms, which can help offer clues about what’s causing the issue:
- Dry, burning, irritated, watery (allergic/irritant-based) discharge
- A watery, red eye may need treatment for infection or inflammation.
- Chronic dry eye or clogged tear ducts could reason for watery eye causes.
- Eyes watery upon waking may have inferior tear-film quality or be too dry overnight, common in allergy sufferers or those with dry eye syndrome.
Red & Watery Eyes Treatment
A. Medical Treatments
Treatment for watery eyes will depend on their cause:
- Antihistamines — These are very effective if an allergy is behind what causes watery eyes. They are available as oral tablets and eye drops, and they work to reduce inflammation and tear production.
- Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops: Used when an infection such as conjunctivitis is suspected.
- Surgical procedures: Sometimes needed for blocked tear ducts, particularly if symptoms are severe or recurring. A standard treatment is a surgical procedure called a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), which creates a new drainage route for tear drainage.
B. Home Remedies & Prevention
For mild or infrequent cases, home care is often very effective:
- Try over-the-counter artificial tears: These drops help rebalance tear production and are excellent for dry eyes.
- Avoid known allergens: Pollen, pet dander and dust mites are significant triggers—keeping your environment clean can help.
- Warm compresses: Placing a warm flannel over closed eyes can unblock tear ducts and soothe inflammation.
- Keep lids clean: Use a gentle, non-irritating, non-soap cleanser to cleanse eyelids daily.
- Control your environment: If you have watery eyes in the morning, avoiding fan heaters or using a humidifier overnight can prevent dryness. Applying lubricating eye drops before bed may also help.
When to See a Doctor for Red & Watery Eyes Treatment
You should seek medical advice if:
- Your eyes remain red and watery for more than a few days.
- You have pain, vision changes, or if your eyes are watery and blurry.
- Your symptoms worsen with colds or flu rather than improving.
- Watery eyes are disrupting daily life, especially in elderly patients or young children.
Our expert ophthalmologists at Chase Lodge Hospital can help give you lasting relief from the discomfort.
Conclusion
Watery eyes in the morning or in general are more than an inconvenience — they can be indicative of a range of underlying issues, from minor irritation to clogged tear ducts or infections. Knowing watery eyes causes is key to a successful red and watery eyes treatment.
And no matter if your affliction stems from allergy-induced watering, an infant tear-duct issue or age-related alterations, early treatment for watery eyes can prevent complications.
If you have chronic watery eyes, then contact our specialist today. A correct diagnosis can light up the world — and the way you see it.
