General practice·General practice
Watery eyes
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Watery eyes, also called epiphora, is when your eyes produce too many tears or cannot drain them properly. This causes tears to spill onto your cheeks, even when you are not crying.
Key facts
- Watery eyes are often temporary and harmless.
- The problem can be caused by blocked tear ducts, dry eyes, allergies, or infections.
- Simple home care, like warm compresses, can help many cases.
Yes, watery eyes are very common. Almost everyone experiences them at some point, often due to an irritant like wind or allergies.
Watery eyes can affect people of any age, but they are especially common in babies (due to blocked tear ducts) and in older adults (due to changes in the eyelids or tear drainage system).