Find care near me 
Key Points
- Watery eyes can be caused by a variety of factors such as allergies, eye infections, dry eyes, environmental factors, eye strain, and makeup irritation.
- Home remedies like over-the-counter eye drops, allergy medicine, using a humidifier, applying a warm compress, and taking breaks from screen time can help manage the symptoms.
- If symptoms persist or are accompanied by reduced vision, pain, swelling, persistent redness, or discomfort when blinking, medical attention should be sought.
- Prevention strategies for watery eyes include identifying and avoiding triggers and treating underlying conditions.
Watery eyes are something you experience often, it can be quite frustrating—and even impede your daily activities. According to Eye Care Associates, the first step in treating watery eyes is to figure out what could be causing it in the first place.
Common Causes of Watery Eyes
Eye Care Associates lists the following as the common causes of watery eyes:
- Allergies - When your eyes come into contact with allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust, they may produce excess tears to flush out the irritants, according to Eye Care Associates.
- Eye infections - Eye infections (like conjunctivitis) can also cause your eyes to water, according to Eye Care Associates.
- Dry eyes - Ironically, having dry eyes can also cause you to have watery eyes. According to Eye Care Associates, when your eyes are dry, they may over-produce tears to compensate for the lack of moisture.
- Environmental factors - Wind, smoke, chemical fumes, and other environmental factors can cause your eyes to water, according to Eye Care Associates. Wearing protective eyewear or avoiding exposure to these irritants may help in this case.
- Eyestrain - Staring at a computer screen or mobile device for extended periods can cause eye strain—leading to watery eyes, according to Eye Care Associates.
- Makeup Irritation - Makeup can cause eye infections, styes, and irritation in some cases, according to Eye Care Associates. Removing makeup at the end of the day (especially before bed) can help.
Home Remedies for Watery Eyes
1. Over-the-Counter Eye Drops
Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops can help if your watery eyes are caused by dry eyes or irritation, according to Eye Care Associates. They recommend that you look for drops that are specifically designed for dry eyes or allergy relief, depending on the cause of watery eyes.
2. Over-the-Counter Allergy Medicine
If you suspect that your watery eyes are due to allergies, then you may want to consider taking an antihistamine, according to Eye Care Associates.
3. Moisturize the air With a Humidifier
Dry air can irritate your eyes and cause them to water, according to Eye Care Associates. They note that using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.
4. Use a Warm Compress
A warm compress can help reduce the symptoms of watery eyes, according to Eye Care Associates. This is especially helpful if your watery eyes are due to irritation, they note. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes.
5. Take a Break From Screens
Spending too much time staring at a screen can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated, according to Medical News Today. If you work on a computer or use your phone frequently, they suggest that you try taking breaks to rest your eyes. They mention using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
When to see a Doctor for Watery Eyes
Many cases of watery eyes can be resolved with home treatment, according to Medical News Today. However, there are some cases in which watery eyes can be a symptom of a medical condition. If you have any of the following symptoms, Medical News Today notes that you should see a doctor:
- Reduced vision
- Pain or swelling around the eyes
- A feeling that something is in the eye
- Persistent redness in the eye
- Tearing sensations or pain first thing in the morning
- Burning and discomfort when blinking
How to Prevent Watery Eyes
Identifying what triggers watery eyes and either avoiding or treating those triggers is the best way to prevent watery eyes, according to Eye Care Associates.
Summary
Watery eyes can be caused by irritation, allergies, or chronic eye conditions. If you’re dealing with watery eyes, try the following home remedies:
- Over-the-counter eye drops
- Allergy medications
- Humidifier
- Warm compress
- Taking a break from eye-straining activities like using screens or reading
Frequently asked questions
What are some common causes of watery eyes?
Common causes include allergies, eye infections, dry eyes, environmental factors, eye strain, and irritation from makeup.What home remedies can help manage watery eyes?
Over-the-counter eye drops, allergy medicine, using a humidifier, applying a warm compress, and taking breaks from screen time can all help manage the symptoms of watery eyes.When should I seek medical attention for watery eyes?
If your symptoms persist or are accompanied by reduced vision, pain, swelling, persistent redness, or discomfort when blinking, you should seek medical attention.What can I do to prevent watery eyes?
Prevention strategies include identifying and avoiding triggers that cause your eyes to water and treating any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the problem.Can makeup cause watery eyes?
Yes, makeup can irritate the eyes and cause them to water.Can environmental factors cause watery eyes?
Yes, environmental factors such as wind, smoke, or bright light can cause your eyes to water.Are there over-the-counter treatments available for watery eyes?
Yes, over-the-counter eye drops and allergy medicine can help manage the symptoms of watery eyes.Can screen time contribute to watery eyes?
Yes, prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, which can lead to watery eyes. Taking regular breaks from screen time can help manage this.
LinkedIn
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
