What is watery eyes?
Watery eyes occur when the eyes tear persistently or excessively to such an extent that the tear ducts are overwhelmed and unable to drain properly. An excess of tears can give the eyes a glassy look, may impair your sight, and result in tears dripping from the eyes.
The role of tears
Tears are produced by glands under the skin of the upper eyelids and contain water and salt, while other glands produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating too fast or from spilling out of the eyes. Blinking spreads the tears to keep the eyes moist and lubricated, as well as washing away dust and other foreign particles. Tear also plays an important role in being part of the immune system that protects the body against infection.
Tears normally evaporate or drain into the nose through tear ducts, which are tiny openings (puncta) in the inner parts of the lids close to the nose.
The human body makes three types of tears:
- Basal tears that continuously keep the eyes lubricated.
- Reflex tears that help to wash out irritations such as foreign particles or vapours, for example from onions.
- Psychic (crying) tears that are produced in response to strong emotions.
Common causes of watery eyes
Allergies, inflammation or viral infections can cause watery eyes for a few days.
Allergies affecting the eyes include conditions such as hay fever, or exposure to pollen, pet dander, or house mites.
Inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis) or cornea (keratitis), or pink eyes (conjunctivitis) can result in watery eyes.
Viral infections such as a common cold; tear duct infection; an external eyelid stye (a painful red lump near the edge of the eyelid) or chronic sinusitis can result in watery eyes.
Watery eyes in infants usually results from blocked tear ducts, as the tear ducts may not be fully open and functioning yet for the first few months. Blocked tear ducts may also occur in adults, when the drainage duct running into the nose is blocked or narrowed so that the tears back up into the eyes. This may cause the eyes to get irritated or infected.
In elderly people the eyelids may sag away from the eyeball, or start to curl inwardly or outwardly, which results in the tears accumulating and flowing out of the eyes.
A foreign object in the eye can cause watery eyes.
Dry eyes (at times a chronic condition called dry eye syndrome) can follow on improper lubrication due to an incorrect balance of water, salt and oils in the tears. The dryness results in irritation of the eyes, which may cause an overproduction of tears.
Dust and wind can also cause watery eyes.
An ingrown eyelash (trichiasis) can irritate the eye and result in watery eyes.
An injury such as a cut or scrape on the eye can cause watery eyes.
And of course watery eyes are caused by crying, which is the shedding of tears due to a strong emotional state, linked to the emotional centre of the brain.
Remedies for watery eyes.
Watery eyes usually clear up after a few days without treatment.
Warm compresses on the eyes, such as a warm, wet towel a few times a day, can assist with blocked tear ducts.
Seek medical assistance for prolonged cases of watery eyes, or if the area is red, irritated and painful, or if vision is affected, or when experiencing the sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
Treatment for allergies or viral infections can clear up watery eyes.
Medical procedures are available to open up blocked tear ducts.
Sources:
Home remedies for watery eyes. Published online in July 2018 on Top 10 Home Remedies. (www.top10homeremedies.com)
Why are my eyes watery? Information medically reviewed on 25 January 2018. WebMD (www.webmd.com)
What causes watery eyes? Information medically reviewed on 6 June 2016. Healthline. (www.healthline.com)
Watery eyes. Published 11 January 2018. Mayo Clinic (USA). (www.mayoclinic.org)
Why do we cry? The science of tears. Published 18 September 2014. Independent. (www.independent.co.uk)
HEALTH INSIGHT
August 2018