Watering Eyes: Why Do My Eyes Keep Watering?

Are you worried about watering your eyes and always finding answers to ‘Why do my eyes keep watering?’ You are not alone. If you constantly wipe tears without crying, it’s time to pay attention to them.

Continuously tearing your eyes may be your body’s way of telling you that there is something more to know.
This blog explores various causes of watering eyes—understanding the underlying reasons helps you treat this condition and regain the comfort of your vision. 

Why Do My Eyes Keep Watering? 

Here are 5 most common watery eye causes:

1. Pink eye
2. Blocked tear glands
3. Allergies
4. Dry eyes
5. Eyelid conditions
6. Eyelashes grown on turned inward
7. Problem with the outer lining of your eye

Let’s explore these reasons for watering eyes in  detail for better understanding, 

1. Pinkeye

Pink eye refers to ‘Conjunctivitis’ — also called eye inflammation or infection when the thin lining of the eyeball or eyelid gets swollen. One of its main symptoms is excessive tearing. If you have conjunctivitis and constant watering, you may have red or pink eyes. Other symptoms include blurred vision, grittiness inside the eye, and discharge, causing the eyelids to stick together.

If you suspect pinkeye, visit your doctor to ascertain the cause, possibly due to bacteria, a virus, or even an allergic reaction. Treatment varies with the cause and avoiding touching the eyes and sharing personal items to prevent the spread of the infection.

2. Blocked Tear Glands

The tear ducts in your eyes function to drain away the tears that your eyes create. If your tear ducts are blocked or narrowed, there is no pathway for the tears to drain appropriately and thereby spill over onto your face. You may develop watery eyes with blocked tear ducts, and there may also be a sticky discharge or crusting around your eyes.

If you think your tear ducts are blocked, a physician can open them with a saline solution or a minor surgical procedure. In some cases, tearing may require a surgical pathway to be created.

3. Allergies

If you wonder, ‘Why do my eyes keep watering?’, look for any allergies you may have. This is the most common cause of watering eyes. If you are allergic to stuff like pollen, dust particles, pet dander, and even fumes, your eyes can turn red and itchy with excessive watering. It’s just your body’s normal response, which is trying to protect your eyes from these irritants.

If you are experiencing it, try OTC options like antihistamines or allergy eye drops to calm and relieve the reaction. Moreover, talk to your doctor; they will prescribe allergy shots to help minimise the allergic reaction.

4. Dry Eyes

Does dryness cause tearing eyes? It may sound weird, but sometimes, dryness in your eyes leads to excessive tearing. This happens because dryness signals your tear duct to produce more tears to moisturise the eyes and prevent damage. Your vision may get blurred, and you may experience redness and stinging.

Artificial tears usually moisten eyes and help minimise dryness. If over-the-counter options are not working, contact your doctor for medications that help reduce inflammation or improve tear production.

Related  Blog: How To Cure Dry Eyes Permanently?

5. Eyelid Conditions

Some eyelid conditions may lead to watery eyes. Your eyelids are made to serve as a facilitator of the draining of your eyes. If your eyelids start to droop, sagging either inwardly or outwardly from the normal position, tears will not drain properly, and you may experience an overflow. It can also cause irritation and redness, along with other symptoms.

If eyelid problems cause watery eyes, your doctor might prescribe artificial tears or ointment to help keep them moist. In some situations, surgery may be required to repair the position of your eyelids and ensure normal tear drainage. 

6. Ingrown Eyelashes

When your eyelash grows in a manner that turns inward or, in some cases, an ingrown eyelash disturbs your eyes, specifically the outer protective lining. Your eye waters excessively when the eyelash hurts or scratches your cornea (protective lining). Your doctor may pluck the problematic lash to treat your watering eyes.

Learn how to stop watery eyes and regain your vision’s comfort. 

7. Problems With The Outer Lining Of Your Eye

Another common cause of watering eyes is issues with the cornea, which serves as a protective lining. The extent of cornea damage varies from a minor scratch to ulcers (open sores). Any damage to the cornea leads to watering in the eye. The swelling of the cornea is called ‘keratitis.’ All these concerns make your tear glands work more, leading to grittiness, burning, and watering. 

Now that you have the answer to your question, “Why do my eyes keep watering?” Let’s see when you should consult your doctor about watery eyes. 

When To Talk To Your Doctor About watering Eyes?

The cause of tearing eyes will help your doctor prescribe the best treatment plan. However, if you experience the following, contact your doctor immediately. 

1. Injured or scratched eye/cornea. 
2. Vision loss or disturbance
3. Sticky discharge or bleeding from your eye
4. Foreign objects stuck into the eye or eyelid. 
5. Redness, irritation, burning, or painful eyes. 
6. Unexplained bruising around your eye.

Take Steps To Relieve Your Watering Eyes.

Mostly, watering eye cases are not that serious, and they resolve with OTC medication or simple home remedies. However, in some cases, especially with underlying causes like blocked tear ducts, allergies, corneal damage, eyelid problems, and dry eyes, you need your doctor’s attention.

Constant watering of the eyes leads to vision problems and reduces the overall quality of life. For relief, consult an expert practitioner for watery eye surgery in Leeds. This surgery corrects the tear-drainage pathway and resolves excessive watering.

Now you know. ‘Why do my eyes keep watering?’ Take a step towards relief. 

FAQs About Watering Eyes

1. What causes watering eyes?

Tear duct blockage, eyelid conditions, dry eyes, and damage to the cornea may cause watering eyes.

2. What does watering of the eyes indicate?

Tearing of the eye indicates that there may be an issue with your tear ducts or the tear-drainage pathway. Sometimes, dry eyes also lead to excessive tearing, as it’s your body’s normal response to maintain moisture.

3. What is eye watering called?

Epiphora is the medical term for excessive watering or tearing of eyes. 

4. How do you stop a watery eye?

To stop watering eyes, apply warm compresses several times a day, gently massage your eyelids to clear any blockage of tear ducts, and consult your doctor for professional advice.