Our eyes are one of the most important ways we interact with our environment, and our eye health affects our overall quality of life. Eye watering is a common problem faced by many people and can have multiple causes.
Causes of Eye Watering
- Allergic reactions
- Dry eyes
- Eye infections
- Fatigue and prolonged screen use
It is important to know your sensitivity to allergens. Avoiding allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander and using allergy medications can alleviate symptoms. Regularly washing hands and avoiding touching the eyes can reduce the risk of eye infections.
Drinking enough water to keep the eyes moist and regularly using eye drops can prevent dry eyes. Consuming foods containing vitamins A, C, E, and Omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health. Carrots, spinach, and nuts are significant sources of these nutrients. Avoiding prolonged exposure to computers, phones, and other screens, taking breaks every 20 minutes, and resting the eyes are important for maintaining eye health.
If eye watering persists or is severe, it is important to consult an eye doctor. Regular eye examinations can ensure the early diagnosis and treatment of issues for good eye health.
Eye Watering in One Eye
Eye watering in one eye indicates a localized issue and should be taken seriously. One common cause is a blocked tear duct. Tears normally flow from the eye’s surface into the nasal cavity through a channel. When this channel is blocked, tears accumulate in the eye and overflow.
Possible causes:
- Tear duct blockage: This condition develops with age, presenting with constant watering and sometimes crusting in the eye.
- Foreign object: Dust, eyelashes, or a small object that enters the eye can reflexively cause watering in one eye.
- Entropion or ectropion: Inward or outward turning of the eyelid can cause watering through friction on the eye surface or disruption of protective mechanisms.
- Local infection or inflammation: Conditions like stye, conjunctivitis, or blepharitis typically occur in one eye, causing watering along with redness.
Eye Watering in Babies
Eye watering in newborns is very common and is mostly associated with congenital tear duct blockage (congenital lacrimal duct obstruction). Normally, the tear duct opens naturally a few weeks after birth. However, if the duct does not open in some babies, tears cannot drain into the nose and overflow instead.
Symptoms:
- Constant watery-eye appearance
- Sticky yellow crust around the eye
- Sticking together of the eyelids, especially in the morning
- Occasional mild redness in the eye
Frequently Asked Questions
How can eye watering be stopped?
The treatment of eye watering depends on the underlying cause. If it is allergy-related, antihistamine medications and eye drops are recommended. For dry eyes, artificial tear drops can be used. In cases of infection, antibiotic drops or ointments may be necessary.
What causes watering of one eye?
Is eye watering normal in babies?
Eye watering in newborns is common and results from underdeveloped tear ducts. It usually resolves spontaneously in the first few months. However, if yellow-green discharge, redness, or swelling is present, the possibility of infection should be considered, and an eye doctor should be consulted.
Which disease could eye watering indicate?
Eye watering can be a simple sign of an allergy or dryness, but it can also indicate serious eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, corneal infections, or glaucoma. If accompanied by persistent and severe watering, blurred vision, pain, or light sensitivity, an eye examination should definitely be conducted.