Watering eyes are common and often get better on their own. The NHS says treatment may be needed if the watering affects your daily activities.
It is normal for eyes to water in smoke, cold or wind, or if something like an eyelash or grit is in your eye. Babies sometimes have watering eyes because their tear ducts have not fully developed, which usually gets better within a few weeks.
Common causes
- Smoke, cold or wind
- Something in your eye, such as an eyelash or grit
- Blocked tear ducts
- An allergy or infection such as conjunctivitis
- Eyelid problems, such as the eyelid drooping away from the eye
- Dry eyes, which can make the eyes produce too many tears
- Bell's palsy, and some medicines and cancer treatments
Treatment
Treatment may not be needed if the watering is not causing problems. Otherwise it depends on the cause: eye drops or gels for dry eyes, antibiotic drops for an infection, medicines for an allergy, removing anything in the eye, or a small operation for eyelid problems or blocked tear ducts.
When to get help
A pharmacist can suggest cleaning solutions, eye drops or allergy medicines. See a GP if your eyes keep watering and it stops you doing everyday activities, your eyelid is turning inwards or drooping away from your eye, or you have lumps or swelling around the eyes that have not improved. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have changes to your vision or severe eye pain.
