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When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffWatery eyes may clear up on their own. If the problem results from dry eyes or eye irritation, you may find it helpful to use artificial tears four or five times a day or place warm compresses over your eyes for several minutes. If watery eyes persist, make an appointment with your doctor. If necessary, he or she may refer you to an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
Seek immediate medical attention if you have watery eyes with:
- Reduced vision
- Pain around your eyes
- A foreign body sensation
References
- Riordan-Eva P, et al. Vaughan & Asbury's General Ophthalmology. 18th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=55781224. Accessed June 14, 2012.
- Tearing (epiphora). The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye_disorders/symptoms_of_ophthalmologic_disorders/tearing.html?qt=tearing&alt=sh#v953468. Accessed June 12, 2012.
- Tearing. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/theeyeshaveit/symptoms/tearing.cfm. Accessed June 12, 2012.
- Price KM, et al. The tearing patient: Diagnosis and management. EyeNet Magazine. http://www.aao.org/aao/publications/eyenet/200906/pearls.cfm. Accessed June 12, 2012.
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