What causes the eyes to become watery and how can it be treated?

Watery eyes are most often caused by an increase in the production of tears. This may occur in one or both eyes. Watery eyes are usually caused by either over‑production of tears due to irritation to the eye, an allergy or occasionally due to an obstruction of the drainage system which results in the overflow of tears. If you notice that your eyes are often or unusually watery, you should seek care from your optometrist .

Watery eyes | Specsavers CA

What are watery eyes?

Watery eyes can occur if the eyes produce too many tears or if the tears the eye does produce do not drain properly. Watery eyes can be bothersome and can also be accompanied by other symptoms, like blurred vision, sore eyelids, discomfort, irritation, or sticky eyes.

Symptoms

Watery eyes, the overflowing of tears, can cause blurred vision.

Watery eyes can present with other symptoms, such as:

Blurred vision
A burning sensation
Dryness
Tenderness
Itching
Tired eyes
A sandy or gritty sensation in the eyes

Some people experience watery eyes when they are outdoors or in the morning when they wake up. Others experience it for the entirety of the day.

Common causes

The most common cause of watery eyes is a malfunction of glands in your eyelids. Usually, these glands secrete an oily substance that slows the evaporation of tears between blinks. When these glands don't function properly, you may get dry patches on your eyes, contributing to dry eye syndrome (DES). The patches can cause the eyes to feel sore, leading to extra tear production as a reflex. This is the most likely cause of watery eyes.

Other possible causes of watery eyes include:

The lower eyelid sagging away from the eye, making it difficult for tears to reach the drainage ducts
Blocked or narrowed tear ducts
Allergies
Eye irritation (eg from foreign objects, light, or chemical fumes)
Eyelid inflammation

Treatment

The treatment for watery eyes depends on its cause. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should visit your optometrist so that they can determine the diagnosis, cause, and best course of treatment for you.

Next steps

We want to help you see clearly and keep your eyes healthy for as long as possible. If your optometrist detects any signs of an eye condition during your comprehensive eye exam, they will determine an appropriate management plan that suits your needs.

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Reviewed by Dr. Bosung Kim

Dr. Bosung Kim is a Doctor of Optometry in Canada and is the optometrist partner at Specsavers Hastings‑Sunrise. Dr. Kim is a prominent leader in his community and is passionate about serving others and improving the lives of the public through better sight.

Noticed a change in your eyesight?

If you have any concerns about your eye health, contact or visit your local optometrist immediately – even if you do not have an appointment.