Why are my eyes watery? Common causes for Filipinos

Watery eyes seem simple, but they confuse a lot of people. Why would eyes overflow with tears when they are supposed to stay just moist? The answer is that tearing is often a reaction, not the root problem. Once you know what your eyes are reacting to, the fix becomes clear.

The surprising link: dry eyes can water

It sounds backwards, but one of the most common reasons for watery eyes is dryness. When the surface of your eye dries out, from aircon, screens or wind, it sends a distress signal and your glands flood the eye with reflex tears. These watery tears run off quickly and do not coat the eye well, so the cycle repeats. If your eyes feel gritty and watery at the same time, dryness is a likely cause.

Everyday triggers on the commute

Getting around Metro Manila exposes your eyes to a lot. Wind from an open jeepney or motorcycle, dust and road grit, exhaust and pollution all irritate the eye surface and set off watering. Air pollution and smoke do the same. Your eyes water to try to wash the irritant away.

Allergies

Dust mites, pollen, pet dander and strong scents can trigger allergic reactions in the eyes. Along with watering, you usually get itching, redness and puffy lids. Allergy-related tearing tends to affect both eyes and flares up in certain places or seasons.

Other common causes

• Eye strain. Long screen sessions and an uncorrected grade make your eyes work hard, and watering can follow.
• An eyelash or speck in the eye triggers a burst of tears to flush it out.
• Blocked tear drainage. If the small ducts that drain tears get narrowed or blocked, tears spill over the lid instead. This is more common with age and usually affects one eye.
• Colds and infections like sore eyes cause watering along with other symptoms.

What you can try

• Rest your eyes from screens with the 20-20-20 habit, and blink fully.
• Wear sunglasses on the commute to block wind, dust and glare.
• Keep your space clean if allergies are the trigger, and avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Ask about artificial tears if dryness is behind the watering.

When to see a doctor

Have an eye professional check your eyes if you notice:

• Constant tearing that does not settle, especially in one eye.
• Pain, redness or thick discharge.
• Blurred vision, or watering after an eye injury.
• A swollen, tender area near the inner corner of the eye.

These can point to a blocked duct, an infection or another issue that needs proper care.

How an eye test helps

Because dryness and an outdated grade are two of the biggest hidden causes, a full eye check often solves watery eyes for good. Our Vision7 exam looks at your vision and the health of your eye surface, so we can tell whether the fix is a better prescription, dry-eye care, or something that needs a doctor.

If your eyes keep watering for no clear reason, book a Vision7 eye test at your nearest Vision Express store and get to the real cause.