Watering one eye

Overview

Watering one eye, also called unilateral epiphora (ep-ee-FOR-uh), is when tears spill onto the cheek from only one eye. It is not a disease but a symptom that something is affecting the normal tear drainage or tear production in that eye.

Yes, it is a very common reason to visit an optician or GP, especially in babies and older adults.

It can affect people of any age, but it is most common in infants (due to immature tear ducts) and adults over 40 (due to age-related changes). People with dry eyes or frequent eye infections are also more likely to experience it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Tears spilling onto the cheek from one eye, especially in wind or cold
• A feeling of moisture or stickiness on that side of the face
• Blurred vision that clears when you blink
• Mild redness or crusting on the eyelashes (when infection is present)

Symptoms in children

• Watering from one eye from the first few weeks of life
• Mucus or yellowish discharge at the inner corner of the eye
• Mild swelling near the nose (if tear duct is blocked)

Symptoms in older adults

• Watering that is worse when reading, using a computer, or in bright light
• Sensation of a lump or tenderness near the inner corner of the eye
• Recurrent eye infections or crusty eyelids

Causes

Main causes

• Blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) – the most common cause
• Dry eye syndrome – the opposite eye may over-water as a reflex
• Eyelid problems, such as ectropion (eyelid turning outward) or entropion (turning inward)
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye) or blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• An injury or growth near the tear drainage system

Risk factors

• Age – babies and adults over 40 are more prone to blocked ducts
• Frequent eye infections or allergies
• Previous eye surgery or facial trauma
• Skin conditions like rosacea or eczema affecting eyelids
• Use of certain eye drops (but always discuss these with your doctor)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Eye is painful, red, and you have blurred vision
• Watering started right after an injury to your face or eye
• You have a fever along with eye swelling

Book a routine appointment if:

• Watering has been present for more than a few weeks
• You notice a lump or swelling near the inner corner of the eye
• The watering is bothersome enough to affect daily activities

Diagnosis

Your GP or optician will ask about your symptoms and examine your eyes and eyelids. They may perform a simple test to see how well tears drain.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam of the eye and eyelid position
• Tear drainage test (putting a drop of dye in the eye and seeing how quickly it disappears)
• Syringing of the tear duct (flushing with salt water to check for blockages)
• Imaging (like a CT scan) if a structural problem or growth is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is usually painless and takes about 10–15 minutes. If a blocked tear duct is found, your doctor may be able to treat it in the clinic or refer you to an eye specialist for further care.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Many cases resolve on their own or with simple self-care. If the problem persists, a healthcare provider can offer medical or surgical options.

Self-care at home

• Gently clean the eyelid with warm water and a clean cloth if there is crusting
• Use a warm compress for 5–10 minutes a few times a day if the tear duct feels blocked
• For adults with dry eyes, use artificial tears (lubricating drops) to balance moisture – ask your pharmacist for advice
• Protect your eyes from wind and bright light with glasses or sunglasses

Medical treatments

If an infection is present, your doctor may recommend antibiotic drops or ointment. For chronic blockage, a specialist may gently open the tear duct with a thin probe or perform a small balloon dilation procedure. These are simple procedures done in a clinic or day surgery. Surgery is only needed if other treatments fail.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is considered only for persistent, bothersome cases. The most common operation is called dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), which creates a new drainage channel from the tear sac to the inside of the nose. It has a high success rate and is usually done as a day case under local or general anaesthetic.

Living with this condition

Watering from one eye can be frustrating, but it rarely causes harm. You can manage it by keeping the eye clean and using lubricating drops as needed. If you wear contact lenses, take a break until symptoms improve.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid rubbing the watery eye – this can make irritation worse
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to block wind and dust
• Use a humidifier indoors if the air is dry
• Take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E (found in fruits and vegetables) supports eye health. Staying hydrated also helps maintain normal tear production. Exercise is safe, but if you swim, wear goggles to avoid irritation.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

While not usually serious, a persistently watery eye can be embarrassing or annoying in social situations. It may affect your confidence or mood. Remind yourself that treatment is effective for most people, and seeking help is the first step to feeling better.

Prevention

Since many causes are age-related or structural, you cannot always prevent a watery eye. But you can reduce your risk of infections by keeping eyes clean and avoiding sharing towels or eye makeup with others.

Vaccines

Routine immunisations do not directly prevent this symptom, but staying up to date with vaccinations can reduce the risk of infections that might affect the eye.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for watery eye. However, regular eye check-ups (every 1–2 years for adults) can help detect and treat problems early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Persistent moisture can lead to skin irritation or infection around the eye
• A blocked tear duct may become infected, causing a painful swelling called dacryocystitis
• In rare cases, a chronic infection can spread to deeper tissues

Long-term outlook

The outlook is excellent. Most cases of watering one eye resolve with simple treatment or a minor procedure. Even when surgery is needed, it has a very high success rate and low risk. With proper care, you can expect your symptoms to improve and your comfort to return.

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