Watery eyes

Watery eyes, also known as epiphora, is a condition in which your eyes produce more tears than normal or in which the tears are not drained properly. The result is that tears run down your cheeks, your vision becomes blurred or your eyes feel constantly wet.

Tears serve an important function: they keep the surface of your eye moist, wash away dust particles and protect against dryness. Normally, excess tear fluid is drained via the tear ducts in the corner of your eye to your nose. When this balance is disrupted – either due to overproduction or blocked drainage – this leads to the symptom of watery eyes.

Possible causes

Watery eyes can have various causes:

• Stinging or irritation: wind, cold, smoke, fine dust, harsh lighting or working at a screen can irritate the eye, causing it to produce reflex tears.
• Dry eyes: paradoxically, dry eyes can actually lead to excessive tear production. The eye reacts to the dryness by producing extra tears, but these are often watery and of poorer quality, meaning they do not adhere properly to the eye.
• Allergies or hay fever: an allergic reaction can cause your eyes to itch and water.
• Blocked or narrowed tear duct: if the drainage of tears is not working properly – for example, due to a congenital narrowing, inflammation or ageing – the fluid remains in the eye.
• Inflammation or infection: eyelid inflammation, conjunctivitis or another infection can lead to increased tear production.
• Misaligned eyelashes or eyelid problems: eyelashes that grow inwards or an eyelid that turns inwards or outwards can irritate the surface of the eye.
• Contact lenses: lenses that do not fit properly, are worn for too long or are not looked after properly can irritate the eye and cause watery eyes.

When to see a specialist

Watery eyes are often harmless and temporary, but sometimes they indicate an underlying condition that requires attention. If you suffer from persistent watery eyes, pain, redness, sensitivity to light or changes in your vision, have this assessed by your optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist.

What you can do yourself

If you experience mild, temporary watery eyes caused by wind, cold or spending time in front of a screen, there are a few things you can try yourself:

• Blink regularly, especially when working at a screen, to distribute your tear film evenly.
• Avoid direct draughts, smoke or air conditioning wherever possible.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from the wind and bright sunlight.
• Make sure you take plenty of breaks when working at a computer screen and keep your screen at eye level or lower.
• Gently rinse your eyes with clean water or a sterile saline solution if there is any dust or dirt in them.

If you wear contact lenses and suffer from watery eyes, check that your lenses are clean, undamaged and that you are not wearing them for too long. Always use fresh lens solution and replace your lenses according to the prescribed schedule.

When professional advice is needed

Watery eyes that last longer than a few days, or are accompanied by pain, redness, swelling, discharge or blurred vision, require assessment by an eye care professional. It is also advisable to contact your GP or ophthalmologist if babies or young children have persistently watery eyes, as this may indicate a congenital narrowing of the tear duct. If you have any doubts or concerns about your eyes, always have them checked by your optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist.