What do you do when one eye won't stop watering?

A watery eye may seem like a minor annoyance, but persistent tearing in only one eye can signal irritation, dry eye, allergies, a blocked tear drainage pathway, or another eye health concern. At Atlanta Eye Group, we encourage patients in Atlanta to pay attention when excessive tearing continues or is accompanied by other symptoms.
 

Why Is Only One Eye Watering?

Tears help protect and lubricate the surface of your eyes. When one eye keeps watering, it may be producing extra tears in response to irritation or having difficulty draining tears normally.
 

Common reasons for excessive tearing in one eye include:

• Dry eye causing reflex tear production

• Allergies or environmental irritants

• An eyelash, dust, or another foreign object in the eye

• Eyelid inflammation or irritation

• A blocked or narrowed tear duct

• An eye infection

• A scratch or other injury to the eye's surface
   

Because several different problems can produce similar symptoms, an eye exam can help identify what is actually causing the watering.
 

Can Dry Eye Make Your Eye Water More?

It may sound contradictory, but dry eye can cause excessive tearing. When the surface of the eye becomes too dry or irritated, the body may respond by producing a sudden flow of watery tears.
 

These reflex tears may not have the right balance of water, oil, and mucus needed to keep the eye comfortably lubricated. As a result, your eye can continue to feel irritated even while tears are running down your face.
 

At Atlanta Eye Group, we evaluate dry eye symptoms and develop personalized treatment plans based on each patient's needs. Treatment may include appropriate lubricating drops, prescription medications, punctal plugs, lifestyle changes, or other options depending on the underlying cause.
 

What Can You Do for a Constantly Watery Eye?

If the watering is mild and temporary, avoid rubbing your eye and consider whether wind, smoke, prolonged screen use, or another environmental trigger could be contributing. Artificial tears may help in some cases, particularly when dryness is involved, but choosing the right eye drops matters.
 

If one eye continues watering despite simple measures, scheduling an eye exam is a better approach than repeatedly trying different over-the-counter products. We can examine the eye's surface, eyelids, tear system, and overall eye health to determine the source of the problem.
 

When Does a Watery Eye Need Prompt Attention?

Persistent watering should be evaluated sooner if it is accompanied by significant redness, pain, light sensitivity, discharge, blurred or decreased vision, swelling, or a recent eye injury. Sudden symptoms after something enters the eye or following chemical exposure also require prompt attention.
 

Atlanta Eye Group provides comprehensive eye care and urgent eye care services, allowing us to evaluate symptoms that may require more immediate attention.
 

If one eye simply will not stop watering, schedule an evaluation with Atlanta Eye Group in Atlanta, GA by calling or texting (772) 272-9470 and let us help determine what is irritating your eye.