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Tears are typically released through tear ducts and then evaporate. Watery eyes occur when tear ducts overflow due to an excess of tears being discharged. In your body, tears perform some vital functions. They help wash away dust and other particles while keeping your eyes lubricated. They are also part of the immune system that protects you from illness. Tears, made of water and salt, are secreted by glands beneath the skin of your upper lids. Tears spread out when you blink, maintaining moisture in your eyes. To prevent tears from evaporating too quickly or from overflowing from your eyes, other glands generate lubricants. The majority of the time, excessive tear production should go away independently. However, the disease occasionally develops into a persistent one. If you experience prolonged watery eyes, especially if you also have other symptoms, contact your doctor.
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Medically referred to as epiphora, watery eyes can be brought on by many different kinds of conditions, including infections and allergies. Listed below are a few common symptoms of watery eyes:
Vision that is hazy due to too much moisture
Redness and irritation around the eyes
Sensitivity to light
The feeling of burning or itchy watery eyes
Secretion of mucous
Swollen or puffy eyelids
To choose the best course of treatment, it is necessary to discover the true cause of watery eyes. It is advisable to get in touch with a doctor for further evaluation and treatment if your symptoms are bothersome.
The most common cause of watery eyes is dry eye syndrome. Tear production excess might be brought on by severely dehydrated eyes. Your eyes are not getting enough lubricant, therefore you produce an abundance of tears, which feeds the cycle back into itself.
Watery eyes can be caused by various other common circumstances, such as:
Allergies: When dust mites, pollen, and pet dander get into the eyes, they can cause irritation that causes excessive weeping, stinging, and redness.
Irritants include smoke, dust, wind, bright lights, and even intense feelings, which might produce momentary tears.
Diseases of the eyes can cause redness, wetness, and discharge. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) and other diseases can aggravate the eyes.
Watery eyes can, ironically, be brought on by dry eyes. When your eyes aren't properly lubricated, they could overproduce tears to make up for it, which might cause overflow.
Tear duct blockage: Tears may well up and spill if the ducts that drain them away are clogged.
To identify the underlying cause and obtain the appropriate watery eye treatment if you consistently have watery eyes, see a doctor.
Here is a brief overview of the watery eyes diagnosing procedure:
Medical history: The doctor will inquire about any current or past eye injuries, allergies, or symptoms.
Physical Examining the eyes and eyelids: A physician searches for any indications of infection, irritation, or obstructions.
Tear production tests: To assess the quantity and quality of tears the eyes produce, specific tests may be carried out.
Imaging testing: For analysis of the tear ducts and associated structures, imaging procedures such as MRIs or ultrasounds may be utilised in certain situations.
Dye disappearance test: To assess tear drainage and locate any obstructions in the tear ducts, a specific dye may be employed.
Treatment options for watery eyes vary based on the actual cause:
Allergies: Medications for allergies can help lessen symptoms.
Dry eyes: You can moisten your eyes with artificial tears or prescription eye drops.
Eye irritation: Watery eyes can be avoided by avoiding irritants and by wearing protective eyewear.
Blocked tear ducts: You might need to open them surgically or massage them.
Infections: Eye ointments or drops treated with antibiotics or antivirals can help treat infections.
You must consult an eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and individualised treatment.
Depending on the real cause, home remedies may be able to treat certain cases of watering eyes without the need for medical attention.
It could be helpful to:
Take regular breaks from using the computer, watching TV, or reading.
Use eye drops to moisten the eyes.
To release any blockages, place a warm, wet towel over the affected eye and massage the eyelid. Wipe the area with an eye wipe to clear the eyes and eyelids of any dirt or debris.
Utilise medications available over-the-counter to alleviate the symptoms of allergies
A person should see a doctor if any of the following signs appear:
Visual impairments or loss of vision
Red, irritated, swollen, or painful eyes
Chemicals in your eye
Discharge or bleeding from your eye
Foreign items lodged in your eye on the inside of your eyelid
Scratches or injuries to your eyes
Tenderness around your nose or sinuses; inexplicable bruises around your eyes
Headache that is coupled with problems with the eyes
Eyes that are wet and don't get better by themselves
For a variety of causes, watery eyes can come into contact. If they have more tears than normal or if the ducts that allow tears to escape the eyes get clogged or narrowed they may weep uncontrollably. This occurs frequently in newborns since their tear ducts are still growing.
Sometimes treating watering eyes is unnecessary, and people can treat them at home by moisturising their eyes and avoiding triggers. One should consult a doctor, though, if the watering is followed by other symptoms including pain, swelling, crusting or discharge, changes in vision, or other symptoms.
Allergies, dry eyes, inflammation of the eyes, clogged tear ducts, or infections can all result in watery eyes. Excessive tearing can be brought on by allergens, allergies, and environmental conditions like smoke or wind.
Use of a humidifier, tea bags, warm compresses, cucumber slices, and proper eye hygiene are examples of home remedies. These techniques can lessen inflammation, calm irritation, and maintain hydrated eyes.
If your watery eyes don't go away with home remedies, if they cause pain, redness, or changes in your vision, or if there's discharge or crusting around your eyes, you should see a doctor. These might point to an infection or other eye disease.
Indeed, a typical reason for watery eyes is allergies. An allergic reaction can result in excessive tearing as well as other symptoms including itching, redness, and swelling when exposed to allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mould.
Depending on the underlying cause, treatments for persistently wet eyes may involve prescription eye drops, massage therapy for the tear ducts, surgery to clear blockage in the ducts, or other procedures. Treating dry eye, allergy, or other underlying conditions can also help reduce the symptoms of persistent watering of the eyes.
