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Watery Eyes (Epiphora)

Do your eyes constantly water? Learn why your eyes keep watering, common causes of runny eyes, and how to stop a watery eye.

Watery Eyes (Epiphora) overview

Watery eyes occur when excessive tears are produced or fail to drain properly. This can result in persistent tearing, causing discomfort, blurred vision, and irritation. The condition may affect one or both eyes and can be temporary or ongoing.

How your eyes make and drain tears

To understand why your eye is watery, it helps to know how tears are produced.

  1. 1 of 4

    Lacrimal glands

    Located above the outer corner of each eye, these glands continuously produce tears to keep your eyes lubricated and clean.

  2. 2 of 4

    Tear film

    Tears form a protective layer over the eye, consisting of water, oil, and mucus, which keeps the eye surface smooth and clear.

  3. 3 of 4

    Puncta

    Small openings in the inner corner of your eyelids (upper and lower) through which tears drain into the tear ducts.

  4. 4 of 4

    Tear ducts (nasolacrimal ducts)

    These tubes carry tears from the puncta into your nasal cavity, which is why your nose runs when you cry.

What are watery eyes?

Watery eyes, or epiphora, occur when there is a disruption in the balance between tear production and drainage. This may result from excessive tear production or inadequate drainage due to obstruction or dysfunction of the tear ducts. Persistent tearing can indicate underlying issues such as ocular irritation, infection, or nasolacrimal duct blockage. Identifying the cause is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Types of watery eyes 

Watery eyes can generally be categorised into two main types, depending on the underlying issue:

1. Overproduction of tears

This happens when the eyes produce an excessive amount of tears in response to irritation, allergies, or other stimuli. The eyes might be trying to flush out an irritant or react to an allergen. 

2. Poor drainage of tears

Occurs when the tear drainage system (puncta and tear ducts) is blocked or narrowed, preventing tears from draining away properly, leading to tears pooling in the eyes and overflowing.

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What the experts say about watery eyes

Our optometrists frequently manage patients with watery eyes. In this video, one of our experts explains the key signs to watch for, what to expect during an eye examination, and the treatment options available for persistent tearing.

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Other symptoms of watery eyes 

If your eye keeps watering, you might experience a range of symptoms beyond just the tears themselves. These can include: 

Excessive tearing

The most obvious symptom, where tears continuously overflow from your eyes, often running down your cheeks. This is why your eyes always water. 
Learn more about watery eyes

Blurred vision

The constant presence of tears on the eye surface can temporarily blur your vision. 
Learn more about blurred vision

Eye irritation or discomfort

Your eyes might feel gritty, itchy, or sore, as if there's something in your eye. 
Learn more about the feeling of something in the eye

Redness

The eyes may appear red or bloodshot due to irritation.   
Learn more about red or bloodshot eyes

Swelling around the eyes

Especially if you rub your eyes frequently due to irritation.  
Learn more about swollen eyes

Crusting on eyelids

Particularly in the morning, if the tears mix with discharge. 

Stinging or burning sensation

Your eye stinging and watering can be a common complaint. 

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What causes watery eyes?

There are many reasons why your eyes might be constantly watering which can range from simple irritations to underlying medical conditions. The most common reasons:

Irritants

Smoke, dust, strong winds, bright light, or even certain chemicals in the air can irritate your eyes, causing them to produce more tears to flush out the irritant. 

Allergies

Allergic reactions to pollen (hay fever), pet dander, or dust mites can cause itchy, red, and watery eyes. 
Learn more about hay fever and your eyes

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes can lead to watery eyes. When the eyes are too dry, they send a signal to produce a flood of tears to compensate, but these tears often lack the proper balance to lubricate the eye effectively.  
Learn more about dry eye syndrome

Blocked tear ducts

Obstruction of the tear drainage system is a common cause of persistent watery eyes. When the puncta or nasolacrimal ducts are blocked, tears are unable to drain effectively and instead overflow onto the ocular surface. Such blockages may arise from infection, inflammation, or age‑related changes.

Infections

Conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye) can cause inflammation and excessive tearing, often accompanied by redness and discharge. 
Learn more about conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Ectropion

When the lower eyelid turns outwards, preventing tears from draining into the puncta. 

Entropion

When the eyelid turns inwards, causing eyelashes to rub against the eye, leading to irritation and tearing. 

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelids can affect tear quality and drainage. 
Learn more about blepharitis

Corneal abrasions or ulcers

A scratch or injury to the surface of the eye can cause significant tearing and pain. 
Learn more about corneal abrasions

Foreign body in the eye

Even a tiny speck of dust or an eyelash can cause your eye to water excessively as it tries to remove the object. 

Styes or chalazions

Lumps on the eyelid can sometimes interfere with tear distribution or drainage. 
Learn more about styes

Age

As we age, the tear drainage system can become less efficient, leading to more frequent watery eyes. 

Medications

Some medications including chemotherapy drugs, eye drops like pilocarpine and echothiophate iodide, and blood pressure medications like beta‑blockers and diuretics can cause watery eyes. 

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How are watery eyes diagnosed? 

If you experience persistent eye watering, an optometrist can identify the underlying cause through a comprehensive eye examination. This assessment involves a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and environmental factors, and typically includes:

External eye examination

Checking the eyelids, eyelashes, and the surface of the eye for any signs of irritation, inflammation, or structural issues. 

Slit lamp examination

Using a special microscope with a bright light to get a magnified view of the eye's surface, tear film, and internal structures. 

Tear drainage assessment

The optometrist may perform tests to check how well your tears are draining. This might involve: 

Fluorescein dye disappearance test

A drop of orange dye is placed in the eye, and the time it takes to disappear is measured. If it takes too long, it suggests poor drainage. 

Lacrimal syringing and probing

In some cases, the tear ducts may be gently flushed with saline to check for blockages. 

Tear film quality assessment

Evaluating the quantity and quality of your tears, especially if dry eye is suspected as the underlying cause. 

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Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.

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How are watery eyes treated? 

The treatment for watery eyes depends entirely on the underlying cause. Once your optometrist has diagnosed why your eyes keep watering, they can recommend the most appropriate course of action. 

When watery eyes need medical help

Most cases of watery eyes are harmless; however, they can occasionally indicate a more serious condition. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience sudden excessive tearing, eye pain, changes in vision, or signs of infection such as pus or pronounced redness. You may also contact Healthdirect on 0800 611 116 for 24/7 medical advice.

Addressing irritants

If environmental factors are the cause, avoiding them (e.g. wearing sunglasses in windy conditions, using a humidifier) can help. 

Allergy management

Antihistamine eye drops or oral medications can relieve watery eyes caused by allergies. 

Dry eye treatment

If dry eye is the cause, artificial tears (eye drops) can help lubricate the eyes and reduce reflex tearing. 
Learn more about dry eye syndrome

Treating infections

Bacterial infections like conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops. 

Eyelid correction

For conditions like ectropion or entropion, minor surgery may be needed to correct the eyelid position. 

Massage

For infants with blocked tear ducts, gentle massage can sometimes help open the blockage. 

Probing

In some cases, a thin probe can be used to open a blocked tear duct. 

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

A surgical procedure to create a new drainage pathway between the tear sac and the nasal cavity for persistent blockages. 

Foreign body removal

If a foreign object is causing the tearing, your optometrist can safely remove it.  

Book an eye test

Specsavers treatments for watery eye 

At Specsavers, we offer a range of products and services to help manage and treat watery eyes, depending on the cause. 

Eye drops and lubricants 

We stock a variety of eye drops in store, including artificial tears for dry eye‑induced watering, and drops for allergy relief. Our optometrists can recommend the best option for your specific needs. 

Eyelid hygiene products 

For conditions like blepharitis that contribute to watery eyes, we offer eyelid wipes and cleansers to maintain good eyelid hygiene. 

Contact lens advice 

If your contact lenses are causing irritation and watery eyes, our optometrists can advise on different lens types or wearing schedules that might be more suitable. 

Which watery eye treatment is right for you?

The best approach for your watery eyes depends on the underlying cause. Have a chat with our team in‑store, or with your optometrist, who will be able to recommend the right type for you. If you have any concerns about your eye health, get in touch with your local store, even if you don’t have an appointment. 

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How can I prevent watering eyes? 

While not all causes of watery eyes can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and manage symptoms: 

Practice good eye hygiene

Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your eyes. Clean your eyelids if you have conditions like blepharitis. 

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water can help maintain overall body hydration, which supports tear production. 

Regular eye tests

Routine eye examinations can help detect and address underlying issues before they become severe.  

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Watery Eyes FAQs

Did you know?

AA Members are entitled to a free eye test (valued at $60), once every two years. Remember to present your AA Membership card in‑store.

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Written with care and checked for accuracy

https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/5mzwovUTJ5NYlYkKyiNXlB/a56bac0a76b3180909cc6de0e6e20273/b780c22f-a604-49f0-bde9-21b3c007dc1e.jpg

Ravina Patel

B.BiomedSci, B.Optom (Hons) TPA, MBA (Dis)

Ravina graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Optometry from The University of Auckland. She has experience in private clinics across metro and regional locations in NZ and volunteer experience in hospital clinics. She has worked in a Specsavers store for 2.5 years before she joined the Clinical Performance Consultant team in NZ.

She went onto do IPL Clinical Performance before moving to Melbourne, Victoria where she is the Clinical Performance Consultant for Victoria/Tasmania. In her current role, she supports partners and Optometrists to provide great patient care and outcomes.

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