Condition

Watery Eyes / Epiphora

Also known as Epiphora, Tearing Eyes, Excessive Tearing, Watering Eyes, Blocked Tear Duct

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Watery eyes happen when the eye makes too many tears or the tear drain is blocked. The cause can be dry eye, allergy, irritation, or a tear duct problem.

Watery eyes are also called epiphora. The eye may make extra tears from irritation, or tears may fail to drain through the tear duct system 1.

Dry eye can sound like the opposite of watery eyes. But a dry surface can trigger reflex tears that spill over the lids.

A blocked tear drain can cause constant tearing, mucus, crusting, or swelling near the inner corner of the eyelids. Functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction can need tear-drain testing and surgery in selected cases 2.

Common Causes

Watery eyes usually come from one of two problems:

  • Too many tears. Dry eye, allergy, infection, wind, smoke, and eyelid irritation can trigger extra tearing.
  • Poor tear drainage. The tear openings, eyelids, or tear duct may not drain tears into the nose.

Common causes include dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eyelid turning, and nasolacrimal duct obstruction. An approach to the watery eye starts by separating overproduction from drainage trouble 1.

Blocked Tear Duct Clues

A tear duct problem is more likely when one eye waters nearly all the time. Other clues include mucus, crusting, or swelling near the inner corner.

Adults may need tear irrigation, imaging, or a procedure that opens a new drain into the nose. A systematic review covers intubation and dacryocystorhinostomy for functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction 2.

When To Seek Care

Get emergency care now for sudden vision loss, severe pain, chemical splash, eye injury, or newborn red eye with discharge. Get same-day urgent eye care for a red painful contact lens eye.

Book a routine eye exam if tearing lasts more than one week, happens every day, or is mostly one-sided. Bring a list of eye drops, allergy medicines, and contact lens products.

Common Questions About Watery Eyes

Yes. A dry eye surface can trigger reflex tears. Those tears spill over but do not coat the eye well.

Next Steps

  1. 1Use preservative-free artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or gritty.
  2. 2Avoid wind, smoke, fumes, and eye rubbing when tearing flares.
  3. 3Note whether tearing is one-sided or affects both eyes.
  4. 4Book an eye exam if tearing lasts more than one week.
  5. 5Seek urgent care for pain, light sensitivity, vision loss, injury, newborn discharge, or a contact lens red eye.

Find specialists for Watery Eyes / Epiphora

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