हिंदी में पढ़ें: आँखों से लगातार पानी क्यों आता है? सामान्य कारण और प्रभावी उपचार
Did you know that tears serve multiple roles in our everyday lives? They keep our eyes lubricated, wash away any dust particles or foreign objects, and protect us against infections.
Tears are produced by the glands under the skin of the upper eyelids. When we blink, the tears spread, keeping our eyes feeling comfortable and moist. Some glands produce certain oils that keep the tears from evaporating quickly or from constantly spilling out of our eyes.
Excessive tearing or watery eyes caused by allergens or irritants generally resolve on their own. However, if the symptoms are persistent, it could point to an underlying condition, which can be addressed with appropriate treatment.
In this blog, we are going to discuss possible causes of watery eyes and when you should seek medical intervention.
Watery Eyes Causes
If you’re feeling emotional, coughing, yawning, laughing, experiencing intense taste sensations, or vomiting, excess tear production is completely normal.
But if your eyes feel watery even when you’re not doing any of those, it could point to something deeper. One of the most common reasons is dry eye syndrome.
We know, the name can sound contradictory to the issue at hand; however, what most people don’t know is that extremely dry eyes, despite what the name may indicate, can lead to excess tear production, making your eyes feel and look watery all the time.
If your tears do not have the correct balance of water, oils, and salts, they can leave your eyes feeling too dry. This results in irritated eyes and an overproduction of tears as a response to the dryness, thus continuing the cycle.
👉 Other causes include:
- Weather changes (dust, loo, cold, and extreme sun)
- Bright light or smog
- Eye strain
- Ingrown eyelash(es)
- Inflammation of the eyelids
- Eye Infections
- Allergies, sinus issues, common cold
- Blocked tear ducts
- Injury
- Pink eye
- Certain prescription medications
- Radiation therapy and certain chemotherapy medicines can increase watering
Watery eyes are typically temporary and resolve on their own when the underlying cause goes away or when your eyes are healed. But it is important to note that in some cases, the symptoms may persist.
When Should You Visit a Doctor?
If you experience persistent watery eyes and they start significantly impacting your life, consult a specialist at the earliest. It is important to determine the cause of your condition and address it accordingly.
Consulting an eye doctor becomes all the more imperative if you notice watering with any of the following issues:
- Visual disturbances or vision loss
- Direct contact with chemicals (inside the eyes)
- Abnormal discharge from the eye
- Bleeding from the eye
- Scratched or injured eye
- Foreign object in eye
- Severe headache
- Unexplained bruising around eye
- Painful, swollen, or red eyes
- Tenderness around sinuses or nose
How are Watery Eyes Treated?
In most cases, the excessive watering goes away on its own without treatment. If that doesn’t happen, your doctor will examine your eyes and assess their condition. It is important to inform your doctor about your complete medical history, if you’re on any medication, eye injuries – old or new, and any other symptoms you may be facing.
After a proper check-up, your eye doctor may advise:
- Prescription eye drops
- Antibiotics in case of an infection
- Place a warm, wet towel on your eyes to help with blocked tear ducts (repeat multiple times a day)
- Allergy medication
- A procedure to unblock tear ducts
- Dacryocystorhinostomy (to fix or create a new drainage system for tears)
Most cases of excessive eye watering are not serious, but this information can help save you from further complications. If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms along with watery eyes, you are advised to consult a doctor.
Sohana Hospital has a team of 16+ best eye specialists in Mohali, whose expertise spans across specialities. They can detect the underlying cause of your watery eyes and prescribe appropriate treatment. The hospital is NABH, NABL, and ISO certified – the oldest eye hospital in the Tricity with comprehensive eye care solutions.
Notice watery eyes? Don’t delay treatment – book a check-up today!
