If you’re dealing with constantly watering eyes, you know how bothersome it can be. It can blur your vision and make daily tasks feel like a challenge, especially when cold weather makes symptoms worse. You might find yourself constantly dabbing at your eyes, which only adds to the irritation.
As your local eye doctors, we want you to feel comfortable and see clearly. The good news is that you can often find relief from watery eyes with simple home remedies and small changes to your routine, especially if the cause is related to a condition like dry eye. This guide explores common causes and offers practical tips to help you find comfort.
What Causes Watery Eyes?
Watery eyes happen for many reasons—from environmental triggers to your eyes’ natural function. Understanding why your eyes are tearing up is the first step to finding relief.
Common Reasons for Watery Eyes
Your eyes might produce extra tears for several reasons. Sometimes they are trying to wash something out or compensate for dryness. Here are a few common culprits.
- Symptoms of eye allergies from pollen, dust, or pet dander
- Irritation from wind, smoke, or bright lights
- Digital eye strain from too much screen time
- Blocked tear ducts
- Dry eye syndrome, a condition where the eyes produce too few or poor quality tears
Quick & Simple Ways To Soothe Teary Eyes
When your eyes start watering, you want a solution that works right away. These quick actions can help calm irritation without much fuss. A few small adjustments, especially to combat discomfort from digital eye strain, can make a big difference in how your eyes feel.
- Blink More Often: When you focus on a screen, you tend to blink less. Make a conscious effort to blink fully every few seconds to help spread your natural tears evenly across your eyes.
- Take Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit gives your eyes a much-needed rest from digital screens.
- Wash Your Hands & Face: Gently wash your face and eyelids with a clean cloth and lukewarm water. This can remove allergens or irritants like dust that may have settled around your eyes.
Natural Home Remedies for Watery Eyes
You don’t always need to reach for eye drops right away. Instead, you can try several gentle and effective remedies at home to help soothe your watery eyes. These methods use simple items you may already have in your home.
Use a Warm Compress
A warm compress is a classic way to soothe irritated eyes. The gentle heat can help relax the area and may assist with unblocking your tear ducts.
We have microwaveable eye masks available at each office for easy and effective warm compresses. Simply microwave the mask for 20 seconds, check that it is not too hot as microwaves can differ, and place over closed eyes for about 5 to 10 minutes for comforting relief.
Rinse Your Eyes Gently
If you think an irritant like dust or an eyelash is causing your watery eyes, a gentle rinse may help clear things out.
Use clean, lukewarm water or a sterile over-the-counter eyewash solution. Tilt your head back and gently pour the liquid over your open eye to rinse it out.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Well
What you put into your body can affect your eye health. Proper hydration is important for keeping your entire body—including your eyes—functioning well. Dehydration can sometimes contribute to waking up with dry eyes, which can, in turn, lead to excessive watering as your body tries to compensate.
Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your tear film healthy. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acid can also support your eyes’ natural moisture. Omega-3s can be found in foods like fish and flaxseed.
How to Protect Your Eyes From Irritants
One of the best ways to manage watery eyes is to prevent them from getting that way in the first place. You can do this by shielding your eyes from common irritants. Small changes to your environment and habits can make a noticeable difference.
Protect Your Eyes Outdoors
When you go outside, your eyes are exposed to wind, sun, and allergens like pollen. Wearing protective sunglasses is a great way to create a physical barrier. This helps reduce direct exposure to things that can make your eyes tear up.
Wraparound styles offer great protection, as they block irritants from the sides as well as the front. A hat with a wide brim also adds another layer of defence against bright light and debris.
Manage Your Indoor Air
The air inside your home can also affect your eyes. Dry air, especially during our long winters, can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly. This can lead to dryness and a cycle of watering eyes, making general eye safety at home important.
Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help your eyes feel more comfortable. An air purifier is another useful tool that can remove dust, pet dander, and other airborne allergens.
When to Seek Professional Eye Care
While home remedies are often helpful, they aren’t always enough. If your watery eyes persist, cause discomfort, or affect your vision, it’s a good idea to consider an eye exam.
Signs It Is Time for an Appointment
You know your body best, so pay attention to what your eyes are telling you. Any of the following signs can suggest that there might be an underlying issue:
- Watery eyes that last for more than a few days
- Redness or discomfort in your eyes
- Changes in your vision
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
How a Professional Exam Can Help
A comprehensive eye exam allows your optometrist to take a close look at your eye health. Whether you visit our Bonnyville eye clinic or see our St. Paul Eyecare team, we’re here for you. We can help you move past the discomfort and get back to seeing the world clearly and comfortably.
So schedule an appointment with us today!
