The watery eye, the epiphora or tearing, is a condition in which there is an overflow of tears on the face, often without a clear explanation; the tears keep the front surface of the eye healthy and maintain clear vision, but too many tears can hinder vision. Epiphora can develop at any age, however, it's far more common in those who are younger than one year or older than 60 years and might have an effect on one or both eyes.
Treatment depends on the severity of the problem and the cause. In mild cases, doctors may simply recommend watchful waiting or doing nothing and monitoring the patient's progress. Different causes of watery eyes have specific treatment options:
If the drainage channels, or canaliculi, inside the eye narrow but are not entirely blocked, the doctor may use a tube to widen them. When the canaliculi are wholly blocked, an operation may be necessary
Seek immediate medical attention if your eyes are watery with:
Watery eyes can clear up on their own. If the problem is due to dry eyes or eye irritation, using artificial tears or placing warm compresses on the eyes for several minutes may help. If the watery eyes persist, make an appointment with your doctor. If necessary, he or she can refer you to an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
Home remedies may provide relief for mild cases of watery eyes, but it's important to consult with an eye doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. Here are some home remedies that may help reduce watery eyes:
Sometimes excessive tear production can also cause watery eyes. Allergies or viral infections (conjunctivitis), as well as any type of inflammation, can cause watery eyes for a few days or so.
Not getting enough sleep can lead to dry, itchy, or bloodshot eyes. The eyes can produce fewer tears after a poor night's sleep, it can be one reason for eye infections. You may experience twitching or twitching of your eyes when you have not had enough sleep.
Treatment for watery eyes, as there could be an underlying cause that you do not know (such as dry eyes, in which case you may need artificial tears or eye drops) or blocked tear ducts, your doctor can help you in both cases.
Watery eyes in the elderly can be caused by age-related changes such as decreased tear production, blockage of tear ducts due to narrowing or inflammation, eyelid malpositions, or underlying eye conditions like dry eye syndrome or blepharitis.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For temporary relief, you can try using artificial tears, applying warm compresses to the eyes, avoiding irritants, practicing good eyelid hygiene, or seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
While watery eyes are often benign, they can sometimes indicate a severe underlying condition such as an eye infection, injury, or even a tumor. If severe pain, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms are present, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention.
Yes, stress can cause the eyes to water. Emotional stress can trigger the release of hormones that stimulate tear production. However, if watery eyes persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to consider other potential causes and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
