2. General Irritation
The glands in the eyes will also spill over with tears (a mixture of water, mucous, and oil) when an irritation occurs. If something, even miniscule, is lodged in the eye, redness, pain, and inflammation will occur as the tear ducts work to purge the foreign object from the eye. Consider your environment—is it smoky, dusty, filled with chemicals, or very windy?
3. Allergies
Another common eye irritant is allergies, which causes telltale redness, burning, itchy, and watery eyes when the eyes encounter indoor allergens, like molds, chemicals, perfumes, dust, or pet dander; or outdoor allergens, such as exhaust, smoke, grass, trees, and pollens.
4. Faulty Eye Lids
Damaged or deficient eyelid function is a rarer cause of watery eyes. Typically, it can be discovered on sight—as the eyelids will droop, pull to one side, or obstruct the lids from closing properly. The condition, referred to as Ectropion, is more common in seniors with weak muscles in the eyelids.
5. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis (or pink eye) is caused when the thin, clear membrane over the eye develops infection. If infection occurs, the eye will protect itself by shedding excess tears to lubricated and expel germs and mucous.
6. Dry-eye Syndrome
Although it sounds counter-intuitive that dry-eye syndrome would cause watery eyes, it does occur. As eyes dry out, the lacrimal glands are naturally prompted to produce excessive tears to soothe irritation and discomfort. You can shut of excessive tears by using an over-the-counter product like “True Tears.”
