Watering eyes

What is it?

Watering eyes occur if too many tears are produced or if they cannot drain away properly.

It’s most common in young babies and people over 60.

It can cause blurred vision, sore eyelids and sticky eyes.

What causes them?

Glands in the eyelids make an oil that slows the evaporation of tears between blinks. When they don’t function properly it can result in dry patches on your eyes. These become sore, and extra tears are produced as a reflex.

Other problems that can cause extra tears include: the lower eyelid sagging away from the eye, eyelids that roll inwards, inflammation of the edges of the eyelids, blocked or narrowed tear ducts, eye irritation, an eye infection or an allergy.

What will your doctor do?

Your GP may refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) who will look for blockages in your tear ducts under a local anaesthetic.

Fluid may also be injected into your tear duct to see whether it comes out normally.

Your tear ducts can also be tested by placing a drop of special dye in each eye.

If there’s a significant amount left in your eyes after five minutes your tear ducts may be blocked.

Scans and X-rays will also help locate a blockage.

Treatment

Lubricating eye drops will help dry-eye syndrome. If the cause is an allergy you’ll be given medication and surgery may be needed if a tear duct is blocked.

You can always choose not to have treatment if watery eyes don’t interfere with your life.