Watery eyes might actually be a sign your eyes are dry. Learn what causes excess tearing and discover simple, expert recommendations to restore comfort.
Watery eyes are a frustrating symptom people often experience, and it can even impact your quality of life. Common complaints include needing to constantly carry tissues, struggling to wear makeup, dry and irritated skin beneath the eyes from excessive tears, blurred vision, and frequent questions about whether you're crying.
Ironically, watery eyes often indicate that your eyes are actually dry. Excess tears are produced as your body attempts to rehydrate the surface of your eyes. Allergies can also cause watering, particularly if you're sensitive to pollen or other environmental irritants.
The primary reason behind excessive watering is irritation. For allergy sufferers, irritants such as pollen cause the eyes to water in an attempt to flush out the offending allergen. In other instances, your tear film may be imbalanced, making your eyes sensitive and reactive to everyday irritants like fragrances or harsh chemicals, leading to overproduction of tears.
To learn more, see this overview on dry eye disease from the National Eye Institute, PubMed's research on reflex tearing and ocular surface inflammation,and this article on watery eyes from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Simple ways to calm watery eyes
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Apply focused heat:Place a hot compress such as the Heated Eye Wand LED+ over closed eyelids. Gentle warmth restores comfort, supports tear quality and retention, and offers effective burning eyes treatment and tired eye relief.
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Hydrate the surface with eye drops of sprays:At the first signs of irritation, reinforce your tear film with targeted products designed to soothe and hydrate. Our Instant Relief Eye Sprayis clinically proven as an effective eye fatigue remedy, relieving dry eyes after one use.
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Avoid irritants: Carefully check ingredient lists in makeup and skincare products. Common irritants like fragrances, harsh preservatives, alcohol, and strong chemicals frequently found in eyeliners, setting sprays, and makeup removers can trigger watery eyes. Choose gentle, fragrance-free products instead. Peep Club products, for example, are free from all known eye irritants.
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Cleanse lids nightly:Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to gently wash along the lash line nightly. Removing dust, pollen, and residual cosmetics prevents gland blockage, reducing watery eyes.
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Improve your environment:Avoid sitting directly under air-conditioning or heating vents. On windy or heavily polluted days, consider wearing wraparound glasses. Running a humidifier in dry indoor conditions can also significantly reduce eye irritation and watering.
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Support from within:Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. These steps support the oily layer of your tears, reducing excessive watering and discomfort.
When to see an optometrist
If watery eyes persist despite home remedies, or if you experience pain or ongoing blurred vision, schedule an eye exam. An optometrist can identify issues that may require prescription treatment.
By combining warm compress therapy, targeted hydration products, gentle cleansing, and simple environmental adjustments, you can effectively manage watery eyes and enjoy clear, comfortable eyes every day.
FAQs
Q: Can dry eyes cause watery eyes?
A: Yes. When the eye surface becomes too dry, it may trigger reflex tearing as a defence mechanism. These excess tears tend to be low quality and evaporate quickly, which continues the cycle of irritation.
Q: What home remedies help with watery eyes?
A: Applying warm compresses, using preservative-free eye drops or sprays, avoiding environmental and cosmetic irritants, and staying hydrated can all help reduce symptoms.
Q: Are watery eyes a sign of something more serious?
A: Sometimes. While often caused by dryness or allergies, chronic watering can also be due to blocked tear ducts, infections, or eyelid issues. If symptoms persist, it’s best to consult an eye care professional.
Q: Is it safe to treat watery eyes at home?
A: Yes, in most cases. However, if symptoms don’t improve with home care or are accompanied by pain or vision changes, it’s important to seek professional advice.
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