There are a few possible causes of watery eyes. Your eye specialist will recommend different treatment options based on the cause of the tearing. 

Dry eye

It might sound contradictory, but dry eye is actually one of the main causes of tearing. The tear film across the eye may be damaged or unhealthy, which causes the surface of the eye to become inflamed. The brain then sends signals to your tear glands to produce more tears, and a cycle of tearing and inflammation begins. 

If the tearing is caused by dry eye, the eye specialist will usually prescribe lubricating drops, and anti-inflammatory drops. They may also suggest warm compresses on the eyelid and eyelid scrubs. Dry eye is difficult to treat, and symptoms may recur in the future. 

Abnormal blink dynamic

Eyelid abnormalities that result in abnormal blink dynamics also cause tearing eyes. Sometimes the lacrimal drainage apparatus in the eye shifts position due to an abnormal lid position. Abnormal lids may be inwardly or outwardly rotated. The treatment for this would be to undergo eyelid surgery.  7th nerve palsy or Bell’s palsy can also affect the normal functioning of the eye, and lead to tearing.  

“Plumbing” issues

If there is an obstruction in the lacrimal drainage outflow system, your eye will water excessively. To diagnose a blockage, your ophthalmologist will inject some fluid into the system and check whether or not it passes through. If not, a surgical procedure will be necessary. Your eye specialist may place silicone stents into the system to improve drainage. In some cases, the obstruction may need to be bypassed (dacryocystorhinostomy or DCR) to prevent further tearing.