Watery Eyes: What Are The Causes?

In addition to sadness, there are various other factors that can cause watery eyes. For example, foreign bodies, age-related complaints or dry eyes can all lead to this. Find out more about this topic today.

The technical term for watery eyes is Epiphora and sometimes one hears the expression tears. Not only can sadness fill the eyes with tears, there are various other causes that we will examine in more detail today.

Foreign bodies in the eye, allergies, age-related factors, a blocked tear duct or various underlying diseases such as diabetes can lead to watery eyes. Read on to learn more about this topic.

Watery eyes

The causes of watery eyes vary depending on the age of the affected person. The problem is usually particularly uncomfortable for babies and adults.

Watery eyes in babies

Babies often suffer from watery eyes. However, it is important to pay proper attention to this problem to avoid complications. In many cases, the cause is a blocked tear duct or conjunctivitis.

On the other hand, it can also happen with a cold, an allergy or scratching the eye. If the symptoms persist,  you must definitely have your child examined by the pediatrician.

In rarer cases, changes in the cornea can occur in young children. The eyes are then usually red too.

Watery eyes in adults

In the case of adults, in addition to blocked tear ducts, other causes can also trigger symptoms. The most common include:

• Tired eyes from being on the screen for too long
• Dry eyes, which stimulates the formation of tears
• Age-related changes

The most common causes of watery eyes

The constant watering of the eyes is very difficult and uncomfortable. You may also experience reddened, irritated, and puffy eyes. It is therefore important to identify the cause at an early stage and initiate appropriate treatment. You can also avoid complications this way.

Obstruction of the lacrimal duct

As already mentioned, a tear duct, which is responsible for protecting the eye and moisturizing the surface of the eye, can become blocked. The excess fluid must be transported away through the tear sac and from there through the lacrimal duct into the nose.

However, if a  tear duct is blocked it cannot and the tears drain down the eyes. In technical terms, this situation is called dacryocystitis, which can be acute or chronic.

Due to age, the tear ducts can narrow and lead to watery eyes. However, genetic factors can also play a role, which is often the case with babies.

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome in many women is due to hormonal changes, but it can also be triggered by air pollution. In addition to tears, there is itching, sensitivity to light and a burning sensation. People feel that the eyes are contaminated and the eyelids feel heavy. Since the lacrimal glands are overstimulated by the natural protective mechanism, there is too much tear fluid.

Tired eyes

You may have heard the term “office eye syndrome” refer to work-related tired eyes. It is a very common occupational disease that, among other things, leads to watery eyes.

Too much screen time can also be eye fatigue and this is a very common problem in this day and age. It is a symptom associated with Computer Vision Syndrome.

Watery eyes from conjunctivitis

It is one of the most common eye diseases. Conjunctivitis can occur at any age and is quite uncomfortable. But the treatment is simple. 

The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include watery eyes, swelling, redness, a foreign body sensation, or watery, purulent or slimy secretions.

Sensitivity to light or photophobia

People with increased light sensitivity react very sensitively to sunlight, artificial light sources or even to reflective surfaces. It affects people with albinism and light eyes more often. Symptoms include not only watery eyes, but frequent blinking, burning, and redness as well. You may also experience dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Other common causes

In addition to the causes already mentioned, allergies, rhinitis or colds can also make the eyes water. There are also harmless situations, such as laughing or yawning, that can lead to this. In this case, it’s a natural reaction that you don’t need to worry about.

When do I need to see a doctor to treat watery eyes?

If the symptoms suggest conjunctivitis, you should definitely see a doctor as it could be viral and contagious. Even if the symptoms persist for more than a week and there is no obvious cause, a medical examination is important. If you repeatedly suffer from watery eyes, a specialist diagnosis is also necessary.

Treatment for watery eyes is usually straightforward. Your doctor will help you and adjust treatment based on the underlying causes.