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Tears are essential for healthy eyes as they help lubricate and clean them. However, excessive tearing of the eye can temporarily blur your vision. This condition, known as epiphora is a common ophthalmological complaint.
Home Remedies for Watery Eyes
Watery eyes can be managed at home by following these home remedies.
1. Apply a warm compress
If your eyes have turned extremely watery due to a blockage in the tear duct, placing a warm compress on the affected eye may help relieve some of the discomforts. The mild heat may help relieve the congestion in the tear duct and facilitate the drainage of the excess tears.
You can also use microwaveable eye masks for this purpose. (1)(2)
2. Apply a cold compress
The application of a cold compress is a popular anecdotal remedy for watery eyes. You can dip a clean washcloth in cold water and place it on your eyes, applying gentle pressure.
3. Use sanitized eye wipes
Watery eyes can often be a result of dirt accumulation at the corner of the eye. You can gently wipe off the gunk with a sanitized eye wipe, or a cotton ball dipped in sanitized water. This is especially useful for wiping off any gooey material developing near a baby’s eye until their tear ducts develop.
4. Take OTC antihistamines
OTC histamines are useful in preventing watery eyes caused by allergic reactions. However, they may have side effects such as excitability, dizziness, sedation, and disturbed coordination. Moreover, histamines can make your eyes dry.
It is best to consult your doctor before taking such medications.
5. Use a mild eye cleanser
Rose water works as a gentle eye tonic and can be used in remedying a wide array of eye-related problems.
The efficacy of rose water in the prevention and treatment of ocular infections such as conjunctivitis can be attributed to its inherent analgesic and antiseptic properties. (3)
Preventive Self-Care Measures for Watery Eyes
You can also follow these self-care measures to help prevent watery eyes.
1. Do not rub your eye
If you think there is something inside your eye, never rub it. Rubbing your eye with a stuck particle may aggravate the discomfort and even lead to ocular damage.
2. Observe good hand hygiene
Make sure to touch your eyes only with clean, sanitized hands. When caring for a child with an eye infection, you must adhere to the doctor-stipulated standards of hygiene to prevent contaminating your own eyes.
3. Wear contact lenses with caution
Make sure to remove your contact lenses before going to sleep and even before a short nap. It is best if you avoid wearing your contact lenses when swimming or showering.
People with dry eyes are advised not to use contact lenses as these can add to the ocular discomfort and make their condition worse. (4) Replace your contact lens solution after every use.
If you use disposable lenses during an eye infection, you must throw them away once the condition clears.
4. Cover your eyes with protective eyewear
Wear protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from airborne debris and particles when venturing outdoors. Moreover, as watery eyes tend to be photosensitive, it is best to wear dark sunglasses to keep them comfortable in sunlight.
5. Clean your eyewear
Make sure to wipe your sunglasses and spectacles before putting them on. Wearing unclean eyewear can transfer the dust and other grime settled on it to your eyes and face.
6. Keep your eyewear and eye products for personal use only
To minimize the risk of eye infection, keep your eye makeup and other eye products restricted to personal use.
7. Frequently rinse your eyes
If you get something in your eyes that makes them tear up excessively, you can rinse them frequently with splashes of cool, clean water.
Moreover, splashing cold water on your eyes can instantly reduce the overproduction of tears and ocular irritation caused by exposure to chemicals or harsh sun rays.
8. Take breaks while working on screens
Prolonged exposure to the blue-light emission from LED screens can tire your eyes. You need to rest your eyes from time to time to prevent straining. Also, do not use screened gadgets too close to bedtime as they can leave you invigorated, consequently disrupting your sleep.
9. Prevent infections from spreading
Keep the infected person’s linens separate. Do not wash their used linens and towels along with the family’s laundry, as they can contaminate the entire stock. Instead, wash them separately in hot water to weed out the infection.
Final Word
Watery eyes are typically not harmful, but they can cause irritation and blurred vision. Repeatedly rubbing your eyes increases the risk of infections.
Fortunately, several home remedies and self-care measures can help manage watery eyes. However, if the condition is persistent, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist.
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