If you’re currently dealing with eyes that seem to tear up at the drop of a hat, and it’s begun to impact your performance at work or even affect you at home when you’re trying to watch TV and relax, then you’re probably researching how to relieve watery eyes. An overproduction of tears can indicate eye allergies, lack of sleep, infection, or it can be something much more serious, especially if it’s accompanied by eye pain and headache. Keep in mind that relieving watery eyes is treated differently than learning how to get rid of puffy eyes from crying. Fortunately, treating this condition can be simple enough, but it can be tricky if you’re not able to identify why your tear ducts are working overtime, or what you can do to prevent watery eyes in the future.
How to relieve watery eyes: Treatment will depend on the root cause. If you have seasonal allergies, medicated eye drops and basic allergy medication can resolve this issue. If an environmental allergen is to blame, vacuuming, changing detergent, ditching air freshener, and dusting thoroughly is often enough to eliminate symptoms. Viral eye infections that cause watering eyes will resolve on its own in a matter of days, while a bacterial infection will require prescription medication.
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Excessive Tear Production Due to a Blocked Tear Duct
Some people are prone to dry eyes, while others have to deal with excessive tearing. An overproduction of tears is usually the most common reason behind watery eyes. Tear production is actually crucial to eye health. It’s what’s responsible for keeping the eyes nice and moist, in order to protect the corneas. However, when tear ducts become clogged, it often causes excessive watering of the eyes since the tears have nowhere to go. In some cases, this overproduction of tears may be associated with a sinus infection or a type of bacterial infection. But can a cold cause eye discharge? Yes. Excessive tearing and discharge are major signs of viral conjunctivitis, which can occur when you’re suffering from the common cold. Viral conjunctivitis can affect both children and adults, however, children are affected more commonly since they don’t have the antibodies we have picked up over the years. To learn more, read my article on what causes eye discharge in babies.
Infections
Tearing eyes can also be indicative of an eye infection. The discharge can be watery or have a thick mucus-like consistency. If you’re experiencing any swelling, crusting, or discharge that’s green, white, or yellow, then you probably have an eye infection. Additionally, this discharge can cause irritation to the surrounding skin, so it’s important to learn how to soothe irritated skin around the eyes and eyelids, especially if you’ve been dealing with this condition for more than a few days. In many cases, if you’re dealing with bacteria, then your physician will prescribe medicated eye drops or an ointment. If the cause is viral, then it should resolve itself within a matter of days.
Blepharitis
This condition occurs when the oil glands on the eyelids, found at the base of the eyelashes become blocked, causing redness, tearing eyes, and swelling. Many of the symptoms are similar to that of an eye infection, which can make it difficult for a person to identify the cause of the excessive tearing and discharge. The biggest issue with this condition is the fact that it can become chronic, which can lead to a number of eye issues and complications. If you’d like to learn more about blepharitis, click here to read my article on how to get rid of blepharitis for good.
Allergic Reactions
Eye allergies are also to blame for excessive tearing. Many people experience seasonal allergies, which can make for a miserable spring and summer, without proper medication. Environmental allergens can also be the culprit. This includes:
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Chemicals
- Detergent
- Air fresheners
Once you remove the offending allergen, you’ll find that many of the symptoms will disappear. Aside from watering, eyes can also become swollen, tender, irritated, and red. My guide to red eyes can walk you through some great treatment options that can help to relieve these symptoms and reduce eye redness, inflammation, and more.
Styes
Styes can cause eyelid and eye irritation that can cause your eyes to water. If you don’t know much about treatment for styes, you’re not alone. Styes are small bumps that develop due to a bacterial infection. Many people will do the absolute worst thing they can do and touch the stye often or attempt to lance it on their own, which can be very dangerous. In reality, the best thing you can do for a stye is to keep your hands off it and use a hot compress to encourage it to heal faster. In severe cases, medication may be necessary, but most styes will resolve on their own in a matter of weeks.
Best Treatment for Watery Eyes
The best treatment method will obviously depend on the root cause of the excessive tearing. If it’s a matter of allergies, removing the allergens from the environment or taking medication for seasonal allergies are both the best treatment options. Viral infections can clear up in a matter of days, while bacterial infections will often require medical intervention in the form of medicated drops or ointment.
Related Questions
Can Anti-Aging Products Cause Eye Irritation?
Yes, many of these anti-aging products contain powerful chemicals such as retinol. If you have sensitive skin, or the product gets in your eye, this can cause redness, tearing, inflammation, and soreness. If you’re prone to allergic reactions to products, make sure you test a small area before applying it liberally under the eyes. To learn more, read my article on how to get rid of wrinkles under your eyes when you smile.
What Home Remedies Can Help With Tearing Eyes?
Many people recommend using hot or cold compresses to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation in and around the eyes. I recommend seeking medical attention if the irritation is severe or has not been resolved in two to three days.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to relieve watery eyes, and what causes excessive tear production, you can choose the best treatment option whether it’s using over the counter eye drops, making an appointment with your physician, or using a hot or cold compress to soothe eyes that are tearing from lack of sleep, a blocked duct, or exposure to harmful chemicals.
