What causes watery eyes?

Question

Every time I am out in cold or windy weather my eyes water and I end up with tears streaming down my face. I wear prescription lenses (age 44)

Answer 1

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Definition

Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of the eye and to wash away particles and foreign bodies. Excessive tear production or improper drainage of the tear duct results in watery eyes.

Considerations

Irritation, infection, and inward-growing eyelashes can cause watery eyes. An infection or blockage of the tear duct can also cause excessive watering of the eyes when tears do not drain normally through the nose.

Increased tearing sometimes accompanies yawning, vomiting, laughing, and eyestrain.

Oddly enough, one of the most common causes of excess tearing is dry eyes. Drying causes the eyes to become uncomfortable which stimulates the body to produce too many tears. One of the main evaluations for tearing, is to check if the eyes are too dry!

Common Causes

dry eyes
clogged tear duct
environmental irritants, including smog or chemicals in the air, exposure to hot wind, strong light, blowing dust, or airborne allergens
blepharitis -- dandruff like substance on the eyelids that disrupts tears
conjunctivitis (often accompanied by itching or redness)
foreign bodies and abrasions
allergy to mold, dander, dust
eyelid turning inward or outward
Home Care

Consider the cause of the tearing. If the eyes feel dry and burn and then begin to tear, consider artificial tears before tearing occurs. This prevents the reflex tearing.

If the eyes are itchy and uncomfortable consider allergy as a cause. Over-the-counter antihistamines can be useful. A mucous discharge from the eyes or red eyes may indicate a blocked tear duct or eyelid problem.

Call your health care provider if

Tearing is not an emergency, but can be very annoying and usually can be treated.

prolonged unexplained tearing
associated with pain in the eye
associated with tenderness around the nose or sinuses
red eyes, excess discharge

Answer 2

irritation in the eyes. your eyes get pretty dried up and irritated in windy weather. so your brain's instinct is to release a stream of tears into your eyes to relieve that irritation. and the tears get the dust inside your eyes out. so it comes in a large amount thus it streams down your face!

Answer 3

Go to see a doctor. It may be some allergic reaction, or some serious infection. only your doctor can tell you.