wateryeyed

Watery-eyed is a term used to describe eyes that water or tear up more than usual. Tears help protect and lubricate the surface of the eye, but excessive tearing can be a symptom of irritation, inflammation, infection, or an emotional response such as crying. The condition can affect one or both eyes and may vary in severity.

Common causes include allergies (such as hay fever), conjunctivitis, exposure to irritants (wind, smoke, chemical fumes), infections, a foreign body in the eye, contact lens wear, or eyelid or tear drainage problems. Dry eye can paradoxically trigger reflex tearing as the eye attempts to compensate for a dry surface. In infants, congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction can cause chronic tearing.

Diagnosis is typically based on history and a basic eye examination. A healthcare provider may inspect the eye with a light, check tear film quality, and look for signs of conjunctivitis or corneal irritation. In persistent or unclear cases, tests such as a tear production assessment (Schirmer test) or evaluation of tear drainage can help identify underlying causes.

Management depends on the cause. Simple measures include removing irritants, using cold compresses, and using over-the-counter lubricating artificial tears. For allergies, antihistamine or mast cell–stabilizing eye drops may help. Infections may require topical antibiotics, while chronic dry eye is treated with lubricating drops and, in some cases, anti-inflammatory medications. If tearing is due to a tear drainage problem such as nasolacrimal duct obstruction, medical evaluation is advised to determine appropriate treatment, which may range from massage techniques to surgical options in select cases.

Prognosis is generally good with appropriate management, though underlying conditions can influence long-term outcomes. Regular eye exams aid in monitoring and preventing complications.