Why Your Eyes Won't Stop Watering and What It Means

You're not crying, and you're nowhere near an onion. So why are your eyes so teary?

Watery eyes can be triggered by common irritants like smoke, wind, or swimming in a chlorinated pool. But persistent tearing can also signal an underlying eye condition. If your eyes won’t stop watering and you're experiencing additional symptoms, it’s worth investigating the cause.

Here are some of the most common reasons behind watery eyes and what you can do to find relief.

1. Irritants Are Triggering Excess Tears

Your eyes naturally produce tears to flush out anything that may be irritating them. Common culprits include:

• Smoke, pollution, and wind

• Chlorine from pools

• Tiny foreign objects like dust or an eyelash

If only one eye is affected, there’s a good chance something small may be stuck on the surface of your eye.

2. Dry Eye Is Causing Overcompensation

Ironically, dry eye can make your eyes water more. When your eyes aren’t producing enough moisture or oil, they may overcompensate by flooding with tears, explains Barrett Eubanks, MD, an ophthalmologist in Murrieta, California.

Dry eye can stem from:

• Screen time: Blinking less frequently while staring at a screen leads to dryness.

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water affects tear production.

• Underlying conditions: Diabetes, hormonal changes, or certain medications can contribute to chronic dry eye.

Other symptoms include redness, stinging, and a gritty sensation.

3. Allergies Are at Play

If your eyes get teary, itchy, and red especially after waking up or spending time outdoors allergies may be to blame. Pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander are common triggers.

Additional clues that point to allergies include:

• Nasal congestion or sneezing

• Itchy skin

• Symptoms that improve when you leave an environment with allergens

4. You Have Pink Eye

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the eye’s outer membrane. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritants and typically results in:

• Redness and swelling

• Itchiness or burning

• Mucus discharge

• Sensitivity to light

If an infection is the cause, it often starts in one eye but can spread to the other. Viral pink eye usually resolves on its own, while bacterial cases may require antibiotic drops.

5. A Blocked Tear Duct Is Preventing Drainage

A blocked tear duct prevents normal tear drainage, leading to excessive tearing, swelling, and crusting. It often affects just one eye and increases the risk of eye infections.

While blocked tear ducts are most common in infants, adults can develop them due to:

• Eye injuries

• Chronic inflammation

• Autoimmune disorders

6. A Stye Is Irritating Your Eyelid

A stye is a small, pimple-like bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. It can make your eye watery and sensitive to light. Additional symptoms include:

• Swelling and redness

• Pain or tenderness

• Crusting around the affected eyelid

Warm compresses can help clear a stye, but if it worsens or doesn’t improve, medical treatment may be needed.

7. You Have a Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion when the eye’s surface gets scratched can cause excessive tearing, pain, and blurred vision. Common causes include:

• Contact lenses

• Foreign objects, such as sand or metal

• Rubbing your eyes too aggressively

If you suspect an eye injury, seek medical attention to prevent complications.

When to See a Doctor

Occasional watery eyes aren’t usually a concern, but persistent tearing could indicate an underlying issue. You should see an eye doctor if:

• Your eyes remain watery for days without improvement.

• You're experiencing pain, redness, or vision changes.

• You suspect an infection, injury, or blocked tear duct.

FAQs

Do Watery Eyes Mean You're Sick?

Sometimes. In children, red and watery eyes can be a symptom of the common cold, along with a runny nose, cough, and fever.

Can High Blood Sugar Cause Watery Eyes?

Yes. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the nerves that control tear production, leading to poor-quality tears that don’t adhere well to the eye. This can result in excessive tearing or chronic dry eye.

Watery eyes can be annoying, but understanding the cause can help you find the right treatment. If in doubt, check with your eye doctor to ensure your vision stays clear and healthy.

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