Ever been in a situation where your eyes have been teary for no apparent reason? While having a little bit of water in our eyes is completely normal and essential for keeping them clean and moisturised, it’s not unusual for our tear ducts to sometimes go into overdrive. Show
If you’re wondering why your eyes are so watery and what you can do to stop it, keep scrolling through our detailed guide below. So, what can cause watery eyes?Our eyes are very sensitive and there are a handful of different things which can prompt them to water. Beyond the obvious emotional triggers (whether that’s laughter or sadness), some of the most common causes include:1
It’s very common for your eyes to water if you’ve got a common cold or the flu. That’s because the tear ducts can become inflamed or blocked when you have a viral infection.
If you’ve been sat in air conditioning all day or your home is particularly dry due to the heating, that could be the culprit of your watery eyes.
Staring at one thing for too long can cause your eyes to become watery as you’ll likely be blinking more to keep your eyes hydrated.
Weather conditions such as extreme cold or strong winds may irritate your eyes and increase the likelihood of them watering. Eyes can be very sensitive to bright light too, so being in direct sunshine could cause them to water.
This is when the glands on your eyelids (which produce oil that normally prevents moisture from evaporating too quickly) stop working properly. Your eyes then become drier than normal, causing your tear ducts to overcompensate by producing too much water.2 Watery eyes can also be a symptom of certain health conditions such as an allergy or an eye infection. If the weeping persists and is unrelated to the causes listed above, you may want to see your GP. How to stop watery eyesIt can be tricky to stop your eyes from watering once they start. Depending on what’s causing them to water in the first place, you might want to try:3
Preventing watery eyesBy far the best method for stopping watery eyes is to prevent it from happening in the first place. You can do this by:
If you think you may have an eye infection, it’s important that you seek medical attention rather than treating it yourself. For more handy advice on your health and wellbeing, head on over to our Health Hub. Last updated: 23 June 2020 Sources
Key Symptoms of the FluSymptoms that indicate flu tend to be more severe than with a cold and include high fever (above 102 F), nausea, cough without phlegm, chills, body aches, sweating, and lack of appetite. Difference Between the Onset of Cold vs. Flu SymptomsIn addition to examining your symptoms, watching how they develop can give you a clue as to which illness you have. Cold symptoms tend to develop gradually, while flu symptoms can come on suddenly, without warning. Learn more about Cold and Flu Symptoms Seeking Medical Care to Determine if You Have a Cold or the FluYour doctor can perform tests in the first few days after you develop symptoms to determine whether you have a cold or the flu. However, you usually don't need to visit the doctor unless your symptoms are severe, you have a pre-existing health problem that puts you at high risk of a complication, or your symptoms indicate a more serious infection. Whether you have a cold or the flu, expect your symptoms to stick around for about 10 days. There is no cure for a cold, but in some severe cases of the flu, your doctor may recommend an antiviral medication to speed up your recovery time. Antiviral drugs are considered a second line of defense after flu vaccinations. Since both the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria, antibiotic medicines are not of any use in combating them. Get plenty of rest, avoid smoking and alcohol, drink plenty of water and juice, and take over-the-counter medication to treat specific symptoms and help you feel better as your body fights off the infection. Learn more about Cold and Flu Treatment Why do you get watery eyes with a cold?It's very common for your eyes to water if you've got a common cold or the flu. That's because the tear ducts can become inflamed or blocked when you have a viral infection.
How do you get rid of watery eyes with a cold?What helps watery eyes with a common cold?. Cleaning. Keeping your eyes clean with a gentle wash helps to remove any debris or irritants, which is also helpful when you're suffering from allergies.. Cold compress. Cool temperatures can, ironically, relieve this symptom of the common cold. ... . Massage. ... . Be prepared.. How long does watery eyes last with a cold?“Pink eye” is a general term to describe any form of conjunctivitis, which can be viral, bacterial, or caused by allergies. “Eye cold” refers only to the viral type, and it can be in one or, more often, both eyes. Eye colds take about 7 to 10 days to clear up and are very contagious.
Can a cold cause weeping eyes?Colds and other viral infections don't just cause sneezing and coughing but they may also affect your eyes. If your eyes are red, uncomfortable, and won't stop watering, an eye cold may be to blame.
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