Do you suffer from watery eyes and have no idea why? This can actually be caused by a number of different things. That’s why it’s imperative to always make an appointment with your eye doctor so they can have a look. In the meantime, here are the top 10 reasons your eyes water to give you a better idea of what might be causing it for you.
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Dry Eye Syndrome
It’s true what Jennifer Aniston says on TV — dry eyes is a syndrome that many people suffer from. When eyes dry out, they become irritated which causes the glands to produce more tears. Once the natural drainage system is overwhelmed, this creates an overproduction of tears. What causes this? As we age, our tear production levels naturally deplete, which is why this is more common at an older age. It can also be caused by KCS, which is a chronic condition where tears don’t contain enough water.
Allergies
Allergens can irritate your eyes and even cause them to swell and water. Those pesky dust mites in your mattresses and bed sheets are especially known to cause eye sensitivities. Seasonal allergies can also be a major culprit. If you start to experience allergy symptoms, try over the counter eye drops and pay a visit to your doctor that doesn’t help.
Airborne Pollution
Airborne particles can also make your eyes watery. VOCs are found everywhere in your home and can easily seep out and impact the air quality. If you’re stuck inside during the winter, these airborne particles can buildup and cause itchy and watery eyes. To combat these environmental effects as much as possible, you should try opening your windows more frequently, even for a short duration at a time to let in some fresh air. Or consider buying an air purifier that will filter the air in your home.
Infections
If your eyes are red, swollen, oozy, and watery, you may have an eye infection. Your body’s response is to produce more tears in the case of an infection. For example, pink eye, otherwise known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that can cause eyes to water. And while it’s not uncommon to get an eye infection from others, it’s not the only way you can contract one. Infections can also be caused by your contact lenses and makeup. So always check the expiry date on your makeup and avoid sharing it with others. You should also be cautious about how you store your lenses to avoid bacteria growth.
Poor Eye Lid Function
A condition called ectropion can cause your lower eyelid to droop and pull away which prevents the lids from closing properly. This, in turn, can prevent the tears from moving towards the corners of the eyes for proper drainage.
Weather And Sunlight
Frigid weather and intense winds can dry your eyes out, too. And what do dry eyes do? They water! To avoid watery eyes in dry weather, wear sunglasses to protect them from the wind and UV rays. You can also purchase eyewear that is specially coated to reduce glare.
Humidity Levels
If your home’s humidity levels are not optimized, it can also cause your eyes to become itchy and watery. A cold, low-humidity environment will cause your eyes to over-produce tears as they attempt to compensate for the dryness. To avoid this from happening, be sure to keep your thermostat set at a relative humidity level between 25% and 55% for a comfortable environment.
Blue Light Exposure
The blue light that’s emitted by your smartphone, laptop, and tablet can cause eye strain and irritation. Consistent exposure can make your eyes water and cause strained vision and even headaches. Fortunately, you can buy a blue light filter to help protect your eyes when using your electronics. Many devices have a filter already installed also! Check your device.
Household Irritants
Several household cleaners contain allergens that can cause burning and watery eyes. Even certain soaps, repellents, detergents, candles, and air fresheners can cause your eyes to start watering excessively. If you experience any irritation or burning sensations when using a particular product, throw it out and switch to a different brand.
Sunscreen
We’ve all been there – the sunscreen you put on starts to gets into your eyes, causing them to burn and water. If this happens to you, it’s best to flush your eyes with a bottle of water or lubricating eye drops. You may also want to look for a gentle brand that won’t sting your eyes.
As you can see, there are a number of reasons why your eyes water. If you experience any this for a long period of time or if there is pain or discharge involved, it’s essential to come for an exam at our Laurier Optical Clinic. We will examine your eyes and perform a number of tests to see if you have an infection or chronic condition that may impact your vision. Contact us today to set up an appointment!