The watery eye is a condition of the overflow of tears from the eyes onto the face. Usually, there is a tear film in the eyes which keeps tears from overflowing onto the face. However, in teary eye condition, the tear film is insufficient. Tears do keep the eyes clean and healthy but overproduction of tears blur the vision and become difficult to manage. WHO(1) states that around 1.3 billion live with some kind of eye condition out of which teary eyes are very common.
| Your eyes focus on 50 different objects every second. |
This condition can happen due to various reasons like foreign objects and injury in the eyes, allergies, tear duct obstruction, eyelid changes, dry eyes, excess use of digital technology and even cold and flu. Along with excess tear production, some other symptoms of it are:
Tea leaves are rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. They reduce the redness and irritation in sore eyes.
You can save tea bags after drinking the tea and then place them on the eyes.
Leave the tea bag on the eyes for 15-20 minutes or until the bag runs dry. Do this at least four times a week.
[ Read: Treat Dry Eyes Naturally ]
Fennel treats sore and inflamed eyes. It also provides relief in serious eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma(2).
Fennel water can be used to wash the eyes. Boil fennel, strain the water, cool it and then wash the eyes with it.
Do it twice daily to treat the watery eye condition.
Saffron is a powerful antioxidant that heals watery eyes and also improves eyesight.
You can drink saffron tea or use saffron water for washing your eyes. Boil saffron strains in water, strain it and use it to wash eyes.
Try to do it regularly. If not, then at least thrice a week.
[ Read: Natural Treatments for Pink Eye ]
Turmeric reduces inflammation in the eyes and also fights bacteria in the eyes.
You can drink turmeric milk or boil turmeric, soak cotton or a piece of cloth in it and then use it as a warm compress over the eyes.
Do it every day to see effective results.
Similar to teardrops, saline water helps clean the eyes. Saltwater also has antimicrobial properties which help prevent eye infections.
Wash your eyes from the saline water or use it as an eye drop.
Put the saline water twice daily in the eyes.
Warm compress opens the clogged glands which then cleans the eyes and prevents infection.
You can dip a small towel in boiling water, strain the excess water and then apply on the eyes.
The warm compress should be done two times a day for a minimum of 10 minutes each time.
[ Read: Warm Compress For Dry Eyes ]
Cold compress also helps open blocked tear ducts.
Dip a towel or cotton in ice-cold water and then apply on the eyes.
Do it twice daily for 10 minutes.
Fishes like tuna, salmon, sardines are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which reduce the risk of eye infections and watery eyes.
Incorporate fish into your meals. Try to have one fish meal in a day.
They are rich in nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin(3) which keeps the eyes healthy and disease-free.
Try to eat leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, lettuce, turnip greens, etc. once in a day.
[ Read: Home Remedies for Dry Eyes ]
All nuts and seeds are rich in essential minerals like zinc which helps prevent eye conditions like watery eyes, eye allergies, etc.
Incorporate foods like kidney beans, peanuts, and lotus stem seeds, etc. every day in your meals.
It reduces infection and inflammation which hugely benefits the watery eye condition.
It can be used in aromatherapy or can be added to bathwater. Try to use it 3-4 times a week.
It reduces inflammation due to watery eyes and also helps reduce stress and anxiety.
It can be used in aromatherapy and can be diluted in water and applied under the eyes. Try to use it at least 3-4 times a week.
[ Read: Essential Oils For Pink Eye ]
Omega 3 fatty acid keeps your eyes healthy by preventing conditions like watery eyes, dry eyes, cataracts, etc.
They are easily available in the form of tablets at a pharmacy. Take at least one tablet every day.
It protects the surface of the eyes i.e. cornea and also keeps the tear line clean and healthy.
Incorporate vitamin A rich food in your diet like eggs, vegetables, milk, cod liver oil, leafy greens, etc. Eat one vitamin A rich item once in a day.
It reduces inflammation at the surface of the eye and also unclogs the tear glands.
Eat food rich in vitamin D once a day. Fish, cheese, yolk, beef, etc. are some items rich in vitamin D.
[ Read: Supplements for Dry Eyes ]
| Tears are not just saline. They have a similar structure to saliva and contain enzymes, lipids, and electrolytes. |
Watery eyes if treated by simple home remedies as stated above usually clear up on their own. However, if the condition persists and the symptoms like irritation, redness or inflammation increases, it is highly advisable to go visit the doctor.
It is important to remember that you are not alone in this and your friends and family are always there to support you. If you are doubtful of any slight symptoms which you think can be problematic, take action and do not hesitate to approach your doctor instantly.
Yes, babies can have watery eyes. Take your baby to a doctor as soon as you notice the condition.
In this, the watery eyes condition persists for very long and needs permanent treatment like surgery.
Sometimes the condition of watery eyes develops due to sinus infection and frequent sinusitis attack.