Why Do My Eyes Keep Watering? | Top 8 Conditions that Cause Watery Eyes

Watering eyes are an annoying symptom that can be caused by many conditions. Read below to learn some of the top reasons why your eyes might be watering.

Our optometrists at Mill Creek Family Eye Center specialize in diagnosing and treating eye disease. If your symptoms persist after several days, it is important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.

1. Something in Your Eye

When something gets in your eye, your body’s natural response is to flush it out (hence the watering). Common irritants include eyelashes, dirt, sand and even particles in smoke and things like hairspray. Sometimes you cannot see the irritant.

2. Allergies

Whether it be a pet allergy, dust allergy or a seasonal allergy, one of the most common allergy symptoms is watering eyes. Allergies will also typically be accompanied by a runny nose, cough, sneezing and red, itchy eyes.

3. Pink Eye

4. Dry Eye Syndrome

It might seem counterintuitive, but one of the main symptoms of dry eye syndrome is watery eyes.

5. Styes

6. Eye Scratches

7. Contact Lenses

8. Blepharitis

Blepharitis, (aka inflammation of the eyelid) is another common cause of watery eyes. Blepharitis occurs when the tiny glands of the eyelids become clogged with debris. Additional symptoms of blepharitis include dry eye, redness and irritation.

Firstline treatment for blepharitis is to wash the face daily with baby wash on a warm washcloth. You can also use special eyelid wipes from the store.

If your symptoms continue after several days, there are other treatment options you can pursue. Treatment options include Blephex, a painless procedure done to exfoliate the eyelid and remove debris. The optometrists at Mill Creek Family specialize in this procedure in addition to the treatment of blepharitis.