Watery Eyes: 13 Causes & When to See a Doctor

Watery eyes can occur due to common conditions like conjunctivitis, allergies, or colds, often alongside symptoms such as redness, itching, or discharge. In many cases, watery eyes are mild and improve with simple care, such as saline solutions or antihistamine eye drops.

However, watery eyes can also be linked to more serious problems, including corneal ulcers, ocular herpes, or a blocked tear duct. These conditions may cause pain, blurred vision, or swelling and usually require prompt medical evaluation and specific treatment.

Other causes of watery eyes include sinusitis, migraines, eyelid inflammation, infections, or even certain medications like chemotherapy drugs. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve eye drops, anti-inflammatory medication, warm compresses, or managing underlying health conditions.

Why do my eyes keep watering?

Some causes of watery eyes include:

1. Pink eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. According to the CDC, conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants, and may lead to symptoms such as redness, itching, and discharge.

How to treat: Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on what is causing it. When allergies are the trigger, antihistamine eye drops and rinsing the eyes with saline can help relieve irritation. If the conjunctivitis is caused by an infection, antibiotic eye drops are usually needed. Anti-inflammatory eye drops may also be prescribed to reduce swelling.

2. Cold or flu virus

During a cold or the flu, some people may have watery eyes along with coughing, fever, sore throat, headache, runny nose, and fatigue. These symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer with the flu than with a common cold.

Learn more about the difference between a cold and a flu and how they present.

How to treat: Treatment for colds and flu focuses on relieving upper respiratory symptoms and pain. You can use pain and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen, antihistamines, such as loratadine, and anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, to help ease symptoms.

In addition, your provider may recommend vitamin C or other measures to help support your immune system.

3. Corneal ulcer 

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea). It usually causes symptoms such as eye pain, a feeling that something is in the eye, and blurred vision.

It is most often caused by an eye infection, but can also result from a scratch or cut to the eye, severe dry eyes, exposure to irritating chemicals, or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Some people have a higher risk of developing a corneal ulcer, including those who wear contact lenses, use steroid eye drops, or have previous corneal injuries or burns.

How to treat: Treatment should be started as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the cornea. I

nfections are usually treated with antibiotic, antifungal, and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal ulcers caused by underlying systemic conditions may improve once the underlying condition is properly treated or controlled.

4. Allergies

Respiratory allergies occur when your airways react to allergens in the air, such as pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, or other irritating particles. They can cause symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, frequent sneezing, a dry cough, red and watery eyes, and headaches.

How to treat: Treatment usually includes antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine. Allergic reactions that cause trouble breathing may also be treated with bronchodilators, such as albuterol.  

5. Cluster headaches

A cluster headache is a severe headache that usually affects only one side of the head or face. This pain is often very intense, can feel throbbing or burning, and commonly starts during sleep.

Cluster headaches are uncommon but are typically more severe and disabling than migraines, and many people describe them as the worst pain they have ever experienced, even worse than kidney stones, pancreatitis, or labor pain.

Other symptoms can include redness and tearing of the eye on the affected side, eyelid swelling, and a runny or congested nose on that side.

Learn more about the different types of headaches and how the treatment options vary for each type.

How to treat: This illness cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioid pain medicines, and 100% oxygen delivered by mask.

6. Sinusitis

Sinusitis happens when the lining of the sinuses (air-filled spaces around your nose) becomes swollen. It can be triggered by airborne irritants, allergies, or infections, including fungal infections.

The most common symptoms are facial pain or pressure, nasal discharge, watery eyes, and headaches, although the exact symptoms can vary depending on what is causing the inflammation.

 Read more about the symptoms of a sinus infection. 

How to treat: Sinusitis treatment depends on the underlying cause, but it usually includes anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, antibiotics when a bacterial infection is suspected, and nasal decongestants.

7. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids caused by changes in the meibomian glands. These glands sit along the edges of the eyelids and help keep the eyes moist by producing oil for the tear film. When they do not work properly, you can have excessive tearing along with crusting around the eyelashes, itching, eye redness, and swollen eyelids.

How to treat: Treatment for blepharitis can often be managed at home with regular eyelid hygiene. Gently clean the eyelids to remove any discharge or crusts and help restore normal gland function and eye moisture.

Keep the eye area clean by wiping along the lash line with a clean, damp cloth or eyelid cleanser. You can also apply a warm compress over the closed eye for about 3 minutes, up to 3 times a day, to help loosen crusts and relieve symptoms.

When eyelid inflammation keeps coming back, it’s important to see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) so they can find the cause of the blepharitis and start more targeted treatment.

8. Meibomitis

Meibomitis is inflammation of the meibomian glands, which are located in the upper and lower eyelids. This swelling can cause watery eyes, foamy-looking tears, and redness or swelling of the eyelids.

It can be triggered by wearing contact lenses, spending long periods in dry or air-conditioned environments, excessive computer or phone use, hormonal changes, or the use of certain eye drops, such as those for glaucoma.

How to treat: Treatment for meibomitis should be guided by an ophthalmologist and depends on how severe the symptoms are. Treatment may include warm compresses on the eyelids, lubricating eye drops, corticosteroid or antibiotic medicines, or, in more severe cases, surgery.

9. Ocular herpes

Ocular herpes is an eye infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. It can affect one or both eyes and cause symptoms similar to pink eye, such as excessive tearing, eye dryness, itching, swelling, redness, irritation, and blurred vision. It can also cause painful, red, fluid‑filled blisters or ulcers on or near the eye.

Ocular herpes is contagious and can easily spread from person to person through contact with blisters, either directly or via contaminated objects. It can also spread from other infected areas of the body, such as cold sores on the lips.

How to treat: You should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible to start treatment and reduce the risk of complications, including vision loss. The doctor will usually prescribe ophthalmic ointments or antiviral eye drops, and may also recommend corticosteroids, oral antivirals, or antibiotics, depending on the cause.

10. Migraines

A migraine is a severe, throbbing headache that often feels like pulsing pain behind one or both eyes. It may also cause tearing, sensitivity to light, visual “spots” or flashes, dizziness, nausea, or even a runny nose. Read more about the symptoms of migraines and who is most at risk.

Migraines can be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, strong smells, flickering lights, or even food allergies.

How to treat: Try to rest in a quiet, dark room, as limiting noise and light can help ease a migraine. If your migraines happen often, you should see a neurologist to look for underlying causes and, if needed, start medication to prevent or treat them.

11. Clogged tear duct

A clogged tear duct is a partial or complete blockage of the duct that drains tears from the eye. It can cause symptoms such as excessive tearing, redness, and pain or swelling near the inner corner of the eye.

A clogged tear duct, also known as dacryostenosis, can be present at birth in babies due to abnormal tear duct or facial development, but it can also occur at any age. In adults, it most often develops after an infection or an injury to the nose.

How to treat: Clogged tear ducts in newborns usually clear on their own by about 1 year of age, so specific medical treatment is often not necessary. The pediatrician may recommend gently cleaning the eyes with saline solution to keep them lubricated and prevent dryness, and using circular massages with a fingertip near the inner corner of the affected eye.

A clogged tear duct caused by infections or fractures in the nose area should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist, who can recommend the most appropriate treatment, such as anti-inflammatory eye drops or antibiotic eye drops. In more serious cases, a minor surgical procedure may be needed to open the blocked tear duct.

12. COVID-19

COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness and is most often linked to symptoms such as a persistent dry cough, fever, and loss of taste or smell.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 can also affect the eyes, causing symptoms such as conjunctivitis, tearing, and eye irritation in some cases.

Changes in the eyes linked to COVID-19 are not yet fully understood. They seem to happen mainly when the infection worsens an existing eye condition, or when the virus directly damages the nerves, blood vessels, or other structures in the eye.

How to treat: If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home, avoid close contact with others while you feel sick or have a fever, and contact a healthcare provider if you are at higher risk or your symptoms worsen. 

13. Chemotherapy

Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, especially cyclophosphamide, can cause watery eyes, particularly during or soon after the infusion. They may also lead to a runny or stuffy nose and sneezing.

In addition, many chemotherapy medicines weaken the immune system and raise the risk of infections anywhere in the body, including the eyes. They can also change the composition of tears and increase the risk of conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, blepharitis, or keratitis.

How to treat: If you notice tearing or very watery eyes during a cyclophosphamide infusion, tell the nurse right away so they can slow the infusion rate, which may help relieve this side effect.

To lower your risk of chemotherapy‑related eye infections, keep your eyes clean, avoid touching or rubbing them with unwashed hands, and use artificial tears recommended by your eye doctor to keep them lubricated. If you develop signs of an eye infection, an ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic or corticosteroid eye drops.