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Home Patients' Zone Patient Leaflets Watering Eyes in Adults

Watering Eyes in Adults

Too many tears or a blocked tear drain?

A watering eye can be annoying and embarrassing. Surprisingly, the commonest cause in adults is dry eye: when the eye surface is dry or irritated, it makes extra tears. Other causes are loose eyelids, loose folds of the eye skin, and a blocked tear drain. A simple examination usually finds the cause.

Common causes

  • Dry eye and eyelid inflammation (blepharitis): the eye makes reflex tears because the surface is irritated.
  • Eyelid problems: a loose or turned-out lower lid, or inturned lashes rubbing the eye.
  • Loose eye skin (conjunctivochalasis): folds of loose conjunctiva block tears from reaching the drain, common with age.
  • Narrow or blocked tear opening (punctum).
  • Blocked tear duct: tears cannot drain into the nose; there may be sticky discharge or swelling at the inner corner of the eye.
  • Allergy or infection.

Tests we may do

  • Examination of the eyelids, tear film and eye surface with a microscope.
  • A dye test to see how quickly tears drain.
  • Syringing: gently flushing salt water through the tear drain to see if it reaches the nose. It is quick and usually painless with numbing drops.

Treatment

CauseTreatment
Dry eye or lid inflammationLubricating drops, warm compresses and lid cleaning
Loose or turned lidsA small lid-tightening operation
Loose conjunctivaDrops first; a minor procedure if needed
Narrow tear openingWidening the opening (a short procedure)
Blocked tear ductDCR surgery, which makes a new passage for tears into the nose

See a doctor soon if

  • There is painful swelling and redness at the inner corner of the eye (infection of the tear sac)
  • Tears are blood-stained, or there is a lump near the inner corner
  • Watering follows an injury to the face or nose

Frequently asked questions

Why do dry eyes water?

A dry, irritated eye surface triggers reflex tears. These tears are watery and do not protect the eye well, so the eye still feels gritty.

Is syringing painful?

Usually not. Numbing drops are used, and most people feel only water in the nose or throat.

Will I need surgery?

Many causes are treated with drops or lid care. Surgery is needed only for blocked tear ducts and some lid problems.

Can a baby have a blocked tear duct?

Yes, it is common in babies and often opens by itself. See our separate page on blocked tear ducts in babies.

Related: Blocked Tear Duct and DCR Surgery, Dry Eye Treatment, Eyelid Surgery.

This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.

Questions about this?

Sadbhaav Eye & Dental Clinic, Motera, Ahmedabad. Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (AIIMS New Delhi). Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. For a serious eye injury outside clinic hours, go to the nearest eye hospital or emergency department.

+91 70169 12180

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