Watery eyes, calledepiphora, happen when eyes excessively tear or water when not crying.

Common causes ofwatery eyesare allergies, a blocked tear duct, dry eye, and computer overuse.

Watery eyes can happen at any age but are more common in older adults and newborns.

Close-up of a watery eye

aywan88 / Getty Images

aywan88 / Getty Images

What Causes Watery Eyes?

Ablocked tear ductis a partial or full blockage within that passageway.

Other causes of blocked tear ducts include:

The main symptom of a blocked tear duct is more tearing.

In newborns, the tears may appear thicker and more noticeable when they are 2 to 3 weeks old.

Although many blocked tear ducts resolve on their own in newborns, adults require treatment.

Reflex Tearing

Reflex tearing is what happens when your eyes get irritated by a certain trigger.

When Are Watery Eyes a Sign of Dryness?

It may sound strange, but having watery eyes can actually be a sign of dry eye.

This causes your eyes to produce more tears to lubricate the eyes, which leads to watery eyes.

Although watery eyes are irritating, they usually are not serious.

Although uncommon, watery eyes can be a sign of cancer.

How Are Watery Eyes Treated?

ensure to wash your hands before trying this jot down of massage.

It’s often requires being under general anesthesia.

It is very effective at opening the tear duct.

Sometimes, an underlying health condition can cause watery eyes.

Watery eyes are also common in newborns due to a blocked tear duct.

Treatment for watery eyes depends on the cause and may include certain medications or surgery.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is a blocked tear duct?

Mount Sinai.Blocked tear duct.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Facts about tears.

University of Miami Health System.Epiphora (excessive tearing).

MD Anderson Cancer Center.Can watery eyes be a sign of cancer?

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Sjogren’s syndrome.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Punctal plugs.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Computer vision syndrome (digital eye strain).

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Eye allergy diagnosis and treatment.