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Watery Eyes: Meaning, symptoms, causes & treatment

Team AckoJun 13, 2024

Do your eyes well up every now and then? If yes, then you may be suffering from Watery Eyes (WE). Increasing pollutants and allergens in the air are often the main culprit behind this. Get an overview of this condition along with its symptoms, causes, and treatment by going through this article.

Contents

What are Watery Eyes?
What are the symptoms of Watery Eyes?
What are the causes of Watery Eyes?
How to diagnose Watery Eyes
How can I manage Watery Eyes?
How to treat Watery Eyes
The Role of Health Insurance in Managing Chronic Eye Conditions
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan for Your Eye Care Needs
Impact of Lifestyle on Watery Eyes and Insurance Premiums
Health Insurance Benefits for Alternative and Complementary Therapies

What are Watery Eyes?

Watery Eyes, also known as Epiphora, is a condition in which there is excessive tear production or inadequate drainage of tears from the eyes. It can cause tears to overflow and spill onto the cheeks.

What are the symptoms of Watery Eyes?

The symptoms of Watery Eyes can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some of the most common symptoms of this condition include the following.

Excessive tearing or watering of the eyes: This is the most obvious symptom of WE. It can occur in one or both eyes and is often persistent.
Redness and irritation of the eyes: Watery Eyes can cause the eyes to become red, swollen, and irritated.
Blurred vision: If your eyes constantly produce tears, it can lead to temporary blurred vision. This can make it difficult to read or perform other activities that require clear vision.
Swollen eyelids: Your eyelids may become swollen or puffy.
Sensitivity to light: You may be more sensitive to light than usual.
Discharge: You may notice a discharge from your eyes, which can be transparent or yellowish.
Pain: WE can sometimes be accompanied by pain or discomfort around the eyes or in the sinuses.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider or eye specialist to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of Watery Eyes?

There are several possible causes of Watery Eyes, including allergies. Here’s a list.

Eye infections: Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or pink eye, can cause excessive tearing, along with other symptoms such as redness, discharge, and sensitivity to light.
Blocked tear ducts: When the tear ducts become blocked, tears cannot drain properly, causing them to overflow and spill onto the cheeks.
Eyelid problems: Ectropion refers to the eyelid turning outward; whereas entropion refers to the eyelid turning inwards. These can cause WE.
Corneal abrasion or injury: Injuries to the eye, such as scratches or abrasions on the cornea, can cause excessive tearing.
Inflammation of the eye: Inflammation of the eye, such as uveitis, can cause WE along with other symptoms such as eye pain and blurred vision.

Recommendation: It is important to identify the underlying cause of WE to determine the appropriate treatment. Your healthcare provider or eye specialist can help you determine the cause and recommend treatment options.

How to diagnose Watery Eyes

Diagnosing Watery Eyes typically involves a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Your healthcare provider or eye specialist may ask you questions about your symptoms and any other health conditions you may have. During the physical examination, your healthcare provider or eye specialist will examine your eyes and look for any signs of infection, inflammation, or other issues that could be causing your WE. They may also use specialised tests to measure the quality and quantity of your tears. Some of the diagnostic tests that may be used to diagnose Watery Eyes include the following.

Schirmer's test: This test measures the amount of tears your eyes produce by placing a small strip of paper under your lower eyelid for several minutes.
Eye culture: If an eye infection is suspected, a sample of eye discharge may be taken and sent to a laboratory for testing to identify the specific organism causing the infection.
Fluorescein staining: This test involves using a special dye to examine the surface of the eye for any scratches or other damage.

How can I manage Watery Eyes?

The treatment for Watery Eyes will depend on the underlying cause. However, there are several things you can do to manage the symptoms of WE, including the following.

Avoid allergens: If your Watery Eyes are caused by allergies, avoiding triggers such as pollen, dust, or pet dander can help reduce your symptoms.
Use over-the-counter eye drops: Artificial tears are an alternative way that can help lubricate your eyes and reduce dryness, which can be a cause of WE. Make sure to choose a product that is preservative-free if you will be using it frequently.
Use warm compress: Applying a warm compress to your eyes can help open up blocked tear ducts and promote drainage.
Practise good eye hygiene: Keeping your eyes clean can help prevent infections and other issues that can cause Watery Eyes. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently clean your eyelids and the area around your eyes.
Consider prescription medications: If your Watery Eyes are caused by an underlying medical condition such as dry eye syndrome or an infection, your healthcare provider or eye specialist may recommend prescription medications to help manage your symptoms.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise can all help maintain good eye health and reduce your risk of developing Watery Eyes.

How to treat Watery Eyes

It is important to speak with your healthcare provider or eye specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your WE. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments to help manage your symptoms. Here are some of the common treatments for Watery Eyes.

Antibiotics: If the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection and reduce your symptoms.
Antihistamines: If the condition is caused by allergies, your healthcare provider may recommend antihistamines to reduce your symptoms. These can be taken orally or used as eye drops.
Decongestants: If the condition is caused by nasal congestion, your healthcare provider may recommend decongestants to help relieve your symptoms.
Artificial tears: If the condition is caused by dry eye syndrome, your healthcare provider may recommend artificial tears to help lubricate your eyes and relieve your symptoms.
Tear duct surgery: If the condition is caused by a blockage in your tear ducts, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to correct the issue.

The Role of Health Insurance in Managing Chronic Eye Conditions

Navigating chronic eye conditions like watery eyes can be a journey filled with various treatments, from specific eye drops for watery eyes to more comprehensive approaches addressing the underlying reason for watery eyes. Health insurance plays a crucial role in this journey, providing essential support for accessing a range of treatments.

Whether it's finding the best eye drops for watery eyes, managing itchy and watery eyes, or exploring more advanced watery eyes treatment options, health insurance can alleviate the financial burden. This enables patients to focus on finding the most effective drops for watery eyes and other treatments, ensuring they receive the care needed for their condition.

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan for Your Eye Care Needs

Choosing the right health insurance plan for your eye care needs involves several considerations:

Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure the plan covers a broad spectrum of eye care services, from common issues like watery eyes to specific conditions such as epiphora (excessive tearing).

Prescription Coverage: Look for plans that include coverage for prescriptions, including eye drops for watery eyes and other medications needed for eye conditions.

Specialist Visits: Make sure the plan covers visits to eye care specialists for diagnosing and treating conditions like epiphora causes and treatment.

Symptom Care: Ensure coverage for symptoms associated with eye issues, such as runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, watery eye discharge, and sticky, blurry vision.

Newborn Eye Care: If applicable, check for coverage that includes care for newborn watery eyes, recognising early eye health is crucial.

Digital Eye Strain: As digital screen usage is prevalent, look for plans to protect and treat eye strain and related symptoms.

Special Conditions: Coverage should also extend to treatments for specific eye conditions, such as headache, left eye-watering, or cold and watery eyes.

Accessibility of Services: Choose a plan that provides easy access to care, including a wide network of eye care providers and specialists.

Cost-effectiveness: Consider premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums to ensure the plan is financially viable while meeting your eye care needs.

Impact of Lifestyle on Watery Eyes and Insurance Premiums

Your lifestyle can significantly influence conditions like watery eyes, whether it's due to allergies causing runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing or waking up with water from your eyes while sleeping. Factors like screen time, makeup use—think best waterproof kajal for watery eyes—and exposure to allergens impact eye health. Watery eyes in kids can also reflect environmental and lifestyle influences. Interestingly, these lifestyle choices can affect insurance premiums, too. Insurers might consider your overall health habits when determining rates.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle could mitigate symptoms like watery eye discharge and potentially lead to lower health insurance costs, turning the care you give your eyes into a treat to the eyes, metaphorically speaking. Plus, managing lifestyle factors could reduce episodes of "crying water," keeping your vision clear and your eyes healthier.

Health Insurance Benefits for Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Here’s how these benefits can make a difference:

Wider Treatment Options: Health insurance that covers alternative therapies provides a broader spectrum of treatment possibilities beyond conventional eye drops for watery eyes. This can be especially beneficial for those who prefer holistic approaches.

Support for Chronic Conditions: For ongoing issues such as chronic watery eyes or one eye tearing, alternative therapies might offer long-term relief that conventional treatments haven’t provided.

Newborn Care: Some insurance plans include alternative treatments for common newborn issues, like newborn watery eyes, offering gentle, non-invasive options for the littlest patients.

Individualized Care: Alternative therapies often focus on personalized care, which can be ideal for those whose phrase "my eyes are" typically precedes unique symptoms not fully addressed by standard treatments.

Natural Remedies: For those seeking natural remedy for watery eyes, insurance coverage for alternative therapies can make these options more accessible and affordable.

Innovative Treatments: From acupuncture that might address the underlying issues causing watery eyes to herbal supplements that support overall eye health, insurance benefits can open the door to innovative care methods.

Preventative Care: Many alternative therapies focus on prevention, including practices that could prevent the eyes from issues that might otherwise lead to symptoms like eyes coming out with tears

Comprehensive Health Approach: This benefit reflects an acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of body systems, offering treatments that consider the health of the whole body, which can indirectly benefit eye health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of Watery Eyes?

The common causes of Watery Eyes include allergies, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), blocked tear ducts, and infections.

Can I get blind from Watery Eyes?

No, Watery Eyes alone cannot cause blindness. However, if left untreated, the underlying condition may lead to complications that can affect your vision. For example, dry eye syndrome, which can cause WE, can lead to inflammation and damage to the surface of your eyes, which can result in vision problems. Additionally, infections such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, can lead to complications that affect your vision if left untreated.

Which season is most prone to Watery Eyes?

Watery Eyes can occur in any season, but some seasons may be more likely to trigger this condition. For example, seasonal allergies, which are a common cause of WE, tend to be more prevalent during the spring and fall months when plants and trees are blooming and producing pollen. Additionally, cold and flu season, which typically occurs during the fall and winter months, can lead to viral or bacterial infections that can cause Watery Eyes.

How are Watery Eyes diagnosed?

Watery Eyes can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam and a review of your medical history. Additional tests, such as tear production or drainage tests, may also be performed.

Can Watery Eyes be prevented?

While it may not always be possible to prevent WE, you can reduce your risk by practising good eye hygiene, avoiding allergens, protecting your eyes, quitting smoking, using artificial tears, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

When should I see a healthcare provider about my Watery Eyes?

You should see a healthcare provider or eye specialist if you experience frequent WE, or if your symptoms are accompanied by pain, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.