With a lot of wind or when something gets into the eye, everyone sometimes suffers from watery eyes. But sometimes it doesn’t just happen incidentally, but becomes more chronic. We tell you what could be the causes of this and what can be done about it.
Watering eyes due to dry eyes
The most common cause of watery eyes is unusual enough that the eyes are too dry. The tear gland will then produce extra tears, resulting in tear eyes. With age, the eyes can become drier. But it can also be caused by too dry air in the house, by looking at a screen for too long without blinking, wearing lenses or the menopause. Certain medications can also have dry eyes as a side effect.
What can be done about dry eyes?
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about aging, but there are ways to prevent or remedy dry eyes as much as possible. To begin with, it is important not to rub your eyes. This can only cause more irritation. Do you spend a lot of time behind a screen? Look away more often and blink your eyes. Close them for a moment and roll your eyes. Ventilate well in the house. Especially when the heater is on, the humidity drops. Placing (more) houseplants can also increase the humidity. Avoid the use of air conditioning or fans or rooms in which they are on as much as possible. They make the air and the eyes extra dry. Do you wear lenses and do you suffer from dry eyes? Then regularly replace the lenses with glasses. Then your eyes get a rest. In the case of dry eyes due to medication, you may be prescribed another medication.
artificial tears
Artificial tears can help with dry eyes. They contain a humectant that thickens the tear fluid in the eye. It also prevents dehydration of the cornea. The drops remain in the eye for about 3 to 4 hours and the effect is immediately noticeable. It can take several days for an irritated cornea to pass. Artificial tears are available with a prescription from your doctor.
Watering eyes from irritation
Even in the case of irritating factors, the eyes can react by producing more tears. This is the case, for example, with smoke or dust, when a piece of dirt gets into the eye, bright (sun)light, or eyelashes that rub over the eye. Try not to rub your eyes in this case either, as this can actually make the tears worse. Furthermore, try to avoid going into areas with a lot of smoke or dust and wear sunglasses outside to protect the eyes from dirt and sunlight. In the case of abrasive eyelashes, it is best to contact your doctor.
An infection
An inflammation of the eyes often results in red eyes, but it can also cause watery eyes. It is often caused by a cold virus and sometimes by a bacteria. The inflammation generally goes away on its own within 2 weeks. But you can help your eyes by cleaning them a few times a day. You can do this with a washcloth, cotton swab or cotton pad. Wet it with water from the tap and wipe it from the outer to the inner corner of the eye. If you have contact lenses, it is best not to wear them temporarily. Avoid wearing eye makeup and wear sunglasses when you are in a bright place.
The inflammation can be contagious, including for your other eye, so don’t rub your eyes, wash your hands regularly and don’t share a towel with roommates. Usually no medication is needed, but if you do not trust it, for example if you have pain, if you see less or if the complaints persist for more than 2 weeks, please contact your GP.
An allergie
The eyes can have an allergic reaction for various reasons, resulting in watery eyes. This could be due to something in the air, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander. In that case, try to limit contact with the irritating substances as much as possible. In some cases, medication can relieve the symptoms. Discuss this with your doctor. It can also help not to wear contact lenses, not to rub your eyes and to put a cold washcloth on your eyes.
In addition to airborne substances, the eyes may water from a contact allergy. For example, due to certain substances in make-up, eye drops or contact lens fluid. But it can also be caused by rubbing something in your eyes with your hands, such as metal, perfume or resin from artificial nails. Try to find out what the culprit is in your case and stop using that product, or replace it with an alternative if possible. If you experience a lot of nuisance, your GP can also prescribe eye drops or a cream with hormones in some cases.
Drooping lower eyelid
With age, the lower eyelid sometimes hangs outward. This makes the red inside of the eyelid clearly visible. The result is that the tear fluid cannot drain properly and the eyes start to water. You can discuss with your doctor what the best solution is in your case.
Clogged tear ducts
Sometimes a tear duct becomes blocked. This is a small passage between the eye and the nose. This can happen with a cold or due to inflammation of the tube. It ensures that the fluid from the eye can no longer flow to the nose, resulting in tears. In some cases, a nasal spray with an anti-inflammatory can help, but otherwise treatment from an ophthalmologist is needed.
When to see a doctor or ophthalmologist?
Above we have discussed different situations when it is best to contact your doctor or ophthalmologist. In any case, do this even if the advice does not help or if the complaints worsen.
(Source: Thuisarts, Apotheek.nl, archive. Photo: Shutterstock)