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Conditions

Watering Eyes

Watering eyes

Watering eyes are a common problem, especially in older people over the age of 60, and in babies (0-12 months of age). Our eyes need to produce a certain amount of tears to ensure that they stay moist and comfortable. However, some people can experience unstoppable tears streaming down their cheeks, which isn’t necessarily the result of watching ‘Beaches’ or seeing the England team lose another World Cup semi-final. Eyes produce extra tears to wash away any irritants, which can include fumes, an infection such as conjunctivitis, a scratch, a piece of grit, or an inwardly growing eyelash (also called an entropion). But the most common cause of watering eyes is a blocked or narrowed tear duct, which can be due to inflammation. Treatment for watering eyes depends on the cause, and whether it is actually a problem. Inwardly growing eyelashes and foreign objects in the eye can be removed, while infections can be treated with prescription eye drops.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

All I see on here are people reporting symtoms but no ideas on how to STOP these watery eyes! I'm 47 and my left eye waters constantly! I can no longer even wear make-up, which negatively affects my self esteem & there is irritation of about a 9 on a scale of 1-10. HELLLLLLP! Somebody help! My eyed doctor just told me it was allergies and to go get an over the counter anti-histamine. I need something more.





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my eyes water every time,im 21 years,male.especially after i wake up it is very much worse..water comes down every time..i have a nerve beating kind of feeling like the feeling of a pulse on your wrist under my eye..please help





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My Eyes are always watering, whether I am talking to someone or just sitting in class. It's very irritating





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It seems when i lay down every night to go to bed my eyes start watering... im not crying but whats going on?





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Mine do the same thing but when I get sleepy... Maybe it's your body telling you you need to sleep

I'm 14 and my eyes have been watering for 4 months. Doctors have told me to not wear makeup but it so isn't working. Help?





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my partners eyes always start watering like a tap if he goes outside without sunnies on it doesnt even have 2 b a sunny day...does any1 else have this prob n do they kno y?





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I have this problem, ive noticed its a lot worse in direct wind, hence why wearing shades would prevent them form watering as to cause or effect, i just dont know

Geese all I can see from this website is people owning up to having watery eyes, ok i beleive you, does anyone know what it is??Thanks





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I'm a fourteen year old girl. My eyes water during urination! I can't help it at all, but every time I urinate, my eyes water! What is going on?





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Hello. my name is charlotte and i am 18 years old. I have been expreiencing a watering eye in my left eye since i was 12. i have been to my Gp about it loads of times and even been to the hospital once but they did nothing accept give me eye drops. My leaking eye causes me pain and irritaion constently. It really effects my self esteme and mess's up my make up every day. Please help :/





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hi i am 47 years of age and my eyes water if am not chewing on something or while yawning no problem otherwise.also my daughter is 24 years and while watching tv or yawning her eyes water.any solution





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Important Notice

The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.


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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Watering eye is a condition where tears are produced without any obvious explanation. The medical name is epiphora. Read More »

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