Watery Eyes Treatment: Managing the Causes of Excessive Tearing

Excessive tearing, also known as watery eyes or Epiphora, can cause discomfort and irritation for individuals of all ages. 

Epiphora occurs when the production of tears exceeds the eye’s capacity to drain them out effectively.

In most cases, watery eyes resolve on their own without medical intervention. However, occasionally, this can become a chronic condition that requires treatment.

This article explores the various watery eyes treatment options, including medical, surgical, and natural approaches. 

Causes and diagnosis of watery eyes

The treatment of watery eyes varies based on the underlying cause. 

Due to this, seeking medical advice is essential for the correct diagnosis of watery eyes. 

You may get watery eyes due to allergies, dry eyes, infections, or underlying health conditions. 

The potential causes of watery eyes include:

• Allergies (from exposure to pollen, dust, or pet dander)
• Dry eyes
• Eye irritants (smoke, wind, bright lights, etc.)
• Eye infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal, such as pink eye or Blepharitis)
• Blocked tear ducts
• Eyelid conditions

Diagnosing watery eyes involves a thorough eye examination by a licensed eye care practitioner.

our doctor will examine your eyes, eyelids, and sinuses to assess eye pressure and blood vessels.

Watery eyes treatment

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As mentioned, treating watery eyes requires targeting the underlying cause. Typically, watery eyes resolve on their own or with the help of home remedies. 

However, your doctor may need to prescribe medicines or eye drops for watery eyes if the symptom does not improve. 

Severe cases of watery eyes may require surgical interventions.

Let us discuss how to treat watery eyes based on the underlying cause:

Watery eyes allergies treatment

Treating watery eyes due to allergies may require the use of antihistamines. Allergies occur when your body overreacts to triggers or allergens. 

Your immune system makes antibodies, leading to the release of histamines that cause itchy, watery eyes and runny nose. 

Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine eye drops or oral medications can manage allergic reactions.

Treatment of tearing from dry eyes

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Watery eyes or tearing is a common side effect of the body’s response to dryness. Individuals can try home remedies for dry eyes, such as artificial tears or warm compresses.}

Lubricating eye drops helps relieve dryness, lowering the body’s need for excessive tear production.

Warm compresses are a popular home treatment for watery eyes. When applied to closed eyelids, warm compresses can increase oil gland activity and relieve dryness.

Treatment of watery eyes due to infections

Watery eyes can indicate an eye infection, such as pink eye (Conjunctivitis). Such cases may require the use of prescription eye drops. 

Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops may be necessary to treat infections causing excessive tearing.

Proper eye hygiene and frequent hand washing can help prevent the infection from spreading. 

Learn how to get rid of eye infections and relieve symptoms in our recommended read: Say Goodbye to Eye Infections: A Guide to Eye Infection Treatment

Treating blocked tear ducts

A blocked tear duct can prevent the proper drainage of tears, leading to watery eyes. 

A gentle massage along the side of the nose, where the tear ducts are present, may help open blocked tear ducts.

In extreme situations, surgical treatments such as Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) may be necessary to restore tear drainage.

Summing up

The treatment for watery eyes varies depending on the underlying cause. 

Remedies include antihistamines for allergies, artificial tears for dryness, warm compresses, and hygiene practices. 

Treating blocked tear ducts may require employing home treatments like gentle massages. However, in some cases, they may require surgery. 

Consulting a doctor for a precise diagnosis and suitable treatment is recommended for effective management.

Frequently Asked Questions

• clevelandclinic.org
• medicalnewstoday.com
• verywellhealth.com
• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• nhs.uk