Watery eyes, medically known as Epiphora, can be a bothersome and uncomfortable condition that affects people of all ages.
This ocular issue occurs when there is an imbalance in the production and drainage of tears, leading to excessive tearing.
In this article, we’ll explore the various causes of watery eyes, common symptoms, and effective remedies to provide relief.
Define watery eyes
Excessive tearing due to an imbalance in tear production and drainage is known as watery eyes or Epiphora.
Dry eyes, allergies, illnesses, or being around things that irritate the eyes can all make your eyes watery.
Some symptoms of watery eyes include constant tears, running nose, swelling, red eyes, and being sensitive to light.
Warm compresses, fake tears, and anti-allergy medicines can help ease your condition.
Getting medical help is very important for persistent watery eye cases.
To effectively treat and relieve watery eyes, you need to know what causes them and how to ease your symptoms.
Want to learn more about the various aspects of watery eyes and running nose? Read our article: Why Do I Have Watery Eyes and Runny Nose?
Causes of watery eyes

Before you look into treatment choices for watery eyes, it’s important to understand what causes them.
Tearing more can be caused by many things, including allergies, dry eyes, and eye diseases.
Finding the main cause is the first step in a good treatment plan
Blocked tear duct: Blockages in the tear drainage system can occur due to infections, accidents, or congenital issues. This blockage makes it hard for tears to drain properly, so they overflow and land on the cheeks.
Dry Eyes: When your eyes are dry, they may get watery. Lack of moisture can irritate your eyes, which prompts them to make more tears. This can be caused by old age, changes in hormones, or things in the surroundings.
Allergies: Watery eyes can be caused by allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or other things in the surroundings. Histamines are released by the body’s defense system, which enhances tear production, thus making your eyes watery.
Pink Eyes (Conjunctivitis): Infections like Conjunctivitis can make the conjunctiva swell, which can make your eyes watery. Most cases of Pink Eye are caused by bacterial or viral illnesses.
Environmental irritants: Being around smoke, wind, smog, or strong smells can cause eye irritation and make them watery.
Explore more about the various causes of watery eyes with the help of our article: 5 Possible Watery Eyes Causes You Must Know
Watery eyes treatment
To treat watery eyes effectively, you need to find out what’s causing them, and accordingly, you can try either home remedies or eye drops.
Home treatments like warm compresses and fake tears can help, but prescription eye drops are a better option.
Now that we know what causes watery eyes, let’s take a closer look at the different ways to treat them. Read our article: Watery Eyes Treatment: Managing the Causes of Excessive Tearing
Home remedies
Listed below are some of the most commonly used home remedies for watery eyes:
Warm compress: After closing your eyes, putting a warm compress on them can help open up clogged oil glands and soothe sore eyes. Individuals with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a common condition that leads to excessive tears, respond especially well to this method.
Blink regularly: When looking at a screen for a long time, make sure you blink often. Long periods of screen usage can reduce the number of times you naturally blink, making your eyes dry and teary.
Stay hydrated: Not drinking enough water can worsen your dry eye symptoms, leading to an excess in tears. Make sure you drink enough water to keep your eyes and body hydrated.
Humidifier: Using a humidifier at home maintains moisture levels in the air, which can help avoid dry eye symptoms that cause you to tear too much.
Tea bags: Putting warm tea bags on closed eyelids can help soothe eyes that hurt. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory qualities of tea’s tannins help ease pain and reduce excessive tearing.
Want to learn more about the various home remedies for watery eyes? Read our article: How to Stop Watery Eyes at Home: Exploring Effective Remedies.
Eye drops

Listed below are some of the most commonly prescribed eye drops for watery eyes:
Artificial tears: Artificial tear drops help keep the eyes moist and relieve watery eyes, especially when dryness is a problem.
Antihistamine eye drops: If you have allergies that make your eyes teary, antihistamine eye drops can prevent the release of histamine in your eyes, thus controlling tear production.
Decongestant eye drops: Decongestant eye drops can temporarily help ease the redness and discomfort in the eyes. It is important to be careful when using them because long-term use can cause swelling to come back.
Prescription eye drops: In cases of an infection or inflammation, a doctor may prescribe specific medicines. Follow your doctor’s advice very carefully.
Learn all about the various eye drops for watery eyes with our article: Choosing the Best Eye Drops for Watery Eyes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand watery eyes and their causes to find the right treatment.
Excessive crying, or Epiphora, can be caused by various factors, such as allergies, infections, dry eyes, clogged tear ducts, and environmental allergens.
Home remedies, like warm compresses and changes to your lifestyle, can help.
Several eye drops, like artificial tears and antihistamines, can help ease the particular cause of the problem.
Identifying the root cause of the problem is essential to find the appropriate treatment approach.
For severe cases, seeking medical advice for better treatment solutions is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can watery eyes be a symptom of something serious?
Yes, watery eyes can be a symptom of a severe underlying condition. Persistent tearing, especially when accompanied by pain, changes in vision, or eye discharge, warrants prompt medical attention to identify and address potential issues.
What causes watery eyes?
Watery eyes can result from various factors, including blocked tear ducts, dry eyes, allergies, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), and exposure to environmental irritants like smoke or wind.
How can I stop watery eyes?
Identifying and addressing the root cause is essential to stop watery eyes. Practice good eye hygiene, use artificial tears for dry eyes, use warm compresses, and consider antihistamines for allergies.
How long do watery eyes last?
Watery eyes can last a few days if they occur due to an allergy, Viral Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis), or any other ocular disease.
Can watery eyes be a symptom of cancer?
While uncommon, persistent watery eyes can be a symptom of cancer, particularly in cases of eye or lacrimal gland tumors. If you experience persistent tearing along with other concerning symptoms, consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
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