There are manifold reasons for a person to have watery eyes. They can be allergies due to body infections, a blocked tear duct and sometimes the very shape of our eyelids. Let us now see how these factors actually makes the eyes water continuously and make it difficult for you to keep the face tissues dry.
Allergies and watery eyes
People get allergies on a daily basis, but many ignore how it can affect the eyes. When you get exposed to pollen, pet dander, mites and fumes your eyes turn red, itchy and watery. If the condition persists then you look around for medication especially eye drops. If this does not help then you should visit for some prescription medicines and if the allergy is severe then you may even need an injection.
Infection like Conjunctivitis (Madras eye)
If the eyes look red along with watery eyes then you may be suffering from conjunctivitis or a kind of eye inflammation. You will also have blurry vision and pus or mucus in the eye with red inner eyelids. If you suspect Madras eye it is better to see a doctor immediately. The treatment will depend on whether the cause is bacteria or a virus or some other allergy. Try not to touch your eyes often, wash it with warm soapy water every time before you apply medicine and then wash your hands. Do not share your towels, clothes or anything that has touched your eye.
Blocked tear ducts
Watery eyes are caused by blocked tear ducts also. The eye has a mini plumbing system that makes tears. These tears wash across the eye and goes down a duct into the nose. When this duct gets narrow or blocked, the tears back up and the eyes get watery, irritated or infected. Signs of such a block may be crusty eyelashes, mucus, blurred vision and even blood in the tears. If you get watery eyes and eyes feel always irritated you should meet a doctor who will flush the duct with saline and insert tiny tubes in the duct to open the blockages. Sometimes a person may need surgery to build a new drain.
Due to dry eyes
When the eyes get irritated the immune system responds by making tears. The eyes may sting, burn and there will be redness. When too much of tears are produced, it will actually dry up the natural wetness of the eye. If it is a mild case then artificial tear drops can help. Other solutions include inserting artificial tear glands or therapies like light therapy and eye massage.
Eyelid shape and problems
Eyelids are important constituent of the eye’s drainage system. If one of the eyelids sags or turns outward, tears won’t drain properly and eyes will get watery. If it grows inward then it will rub against the eye and irritate it. All these will cause redness, mucus, dryness and sensitivity to light. If artificial tears and ointments do not bring improvement then surgery is the only option.
Problems with cornea
Cornea can also get inflamed and the condition is called Keratitis. There can also be minor
Scratches and open sores or ulcers on the cornea and this causes tears to work overtime. If the cornea is affected then the eye will be extra watery, painful and highly sensitive to light. When you close your eyes you’ll feel as if some particle is inside the eye. You can rinse the eye with saline solution or blink several times to get relief. You can also pull the upper eyelid over your lower eyelid; all these may flush out the object that’s causing the problem. If you suspect any infection it is better to see a doctor.
Other causes of watery eyes
There are few other causes for watery eyes like Bell’s palsy a nerve condition, eye injuries, exposure to chemical fumes, inflammatory disease, facial surgery and certain medicines.