Why do my eyes water when I go outside?

Wind, cold air, dust and bright light irritate the eye's surface and trigger reflex tears. Sunglasses help.

Can dry eyes cause watery eyes?

Yes. When the eye surface dries, the eye can overproduce thin reflex tears.

When is watering of the eyes serious?

Watering with pain, redness, blurred vision, sticky discharge or a lump near the nose should be seen by a doctor.

Home remedies for watery eyes: warm compress, allergy control and lid care

Eyes that keep watering can be surprisingly annoying, blurring vision and making you dab your face all day. These home remedies for watery eyes use warm compresses and gentle lid cleaning, reduce allergy triggers and protect the eyes from wind and cold.

Why eyes water too much

Oddly, dry eyes often water, as the eye makes reflex tears when its surface is irritated. Allergies, cold wind, a cold, eyelid inflammation, an eyelash rubbing the eye or a blocked tear duct are other causes. In babies, a blocked tear duct is common and often opens by itself.

Ayurveda relates watery, heavy eyes with kapha and traditionally uses warmth and cleanliness to settle them.

Ingredients

A soft clean cloth and warm water
Cotton pads
Diluted baby shampoo for lid cleaning (optional)

How to prepare

Soak the cloth in warm water and wring it out.
Mix 2 drops of baby shampoo in a little warm water if cleaning the lash line.

How to use

Hold the warm cloth over closed eyes for 5 minutes, twice a day.
Once a day, clean the lash line with a cotton bud dipped in diluted shampoo and rinse.
Wear wraparound sunglasses in wind, on two-wheelers and in cold weather.

Helpful habits

Wash pillow covers and curtains regularly to cut dust.
Take screen breaks, as dry, tired eyes may water more.
Use a clean tissue, not your fingers, to dab tears.

Precautions

See a doctor if watering comes with pain, redness, discharge, swelling near the inner corner or changes in vision.
Persistent watering in one eye, or in a baby past a few months, should be checked for a blocked tear duct.
Do not pluck ingrowing eyelashes yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my eyes water when I go outside?: Wind, cold air, dust and bright light irritate the eye's surface and trigger reflex tears. Sunglasses help.
Can dry eyes cause watery eyes?: Yes. When the eye surface dries, the eye can overproduce thin reflex tears.
When is watering of the eyes serious?: Watering with pain, redness, blurred vision, sticky discharge or a lump near the nose should be seen by a doctor.