Watery Eyes (Epiphora)
Watery eyes, also known as epiphora, are a frequent and frustrating problem. Many people assume watery eyes mean dryness or allergy, but the underlying cause is often more complex, and sometimes related to the nose or tear drainage system.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics at Medicana Winchester, we regularly assess patients with watery eyes from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury, identifying the cause and advising appropriate treatment.
👁️ Why Do Eyes Become Watery?
Tears are produced constantly to lubricate and protect the eye. Normally, they drain away through tiny channels (the tear ducts) into the nose.
Watery eyes occur when:
Too many tears are produced, or
Tears cannot drain away properly
Understanding which mechanism is responsible is key to effective treatment.
🤧 Common Causes of Watery Eyes
1. Blocked Tear Ducts (Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction)
One of the most common causes, especially in adults.
Tears overflow onto the face
Often worse outdoors or in cold wind
May be associated with recurrent eye infections
Because tear ducts drain into the nose, ENT and ophthalmology often work closely together.
2. Dry Eye Syndrome
Paradoxically, dry eyes often water.
Poor-quality tears irritate the eye
Reflex tearing occurs as compensation
Often associated with screen use, ageing, or autoimmune disease
3. Allergies (Hay Fever)
Allergic rhinitis commonly causes:
Itchy, red eyes
Watery discharge
Sneezing and nasal congestion
This is especially common during spring and summer in Hampshire.
4. Nasal and Sinus Problems
Conditions such as:
Chronic rhinosinusitis
Nasal polyps
Inferior turbinate enlargement
Deviated nasal septum
can interfere with tear drainage into the nose and worsen watery eyes.
5. Eyelid Problems
In-turned or out-turned eyelids
Poor lid closure
Age-related lid laxity
These affect how tears spread and drain.
6. Infection or Inflammation
Conjunctivitis
Blepharitis
Tear sac infection (dacryocystitis)
These require prompt assessment and treatment.
🚩 When Should Watery Eyes Be Checked?
You should seek specialist assessment if watery eyes are:
Persistent or worsening
Affecting one eye more than the other
Associated with discharge, pain or redness
Associated with nasal blockage or sinus symptoms
Causing recurrent infections
Affecting daily activities or vision
ENT assessment is particularly helpful when nasal or sinus factors are suspected.
🔍 How Watery Eyes Are Investigated
Assessment at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite or Medicana Winchester may include:
Detailed history
Examination of the nose and eyes
Nasal endoscopy (camera examination of the nasal cavity)
Assessment of the tear drainage pathway
Referral to ophthalmology if required
This collaborative approach ensures accurate diagnosis.
🛠️ Treatment Options for Watery Eyes
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Treating nasal inflammation or sinus disease
Managing allergies with sprays or antihistamines
Treating dry eye with lubricants
Antibiotics if infection is present
Referral for tear duct procedures if obstruction is confirmed
Many patients experience significant improvement once the correct cause is addressed.
🌟 Why Choose Hampshire ENT Clinics
Patients choose our service because we offer:
Consultant-led ENT assessment
Expertise in nasal and sinus causes of watery eyes
Access to nasal endoscopy and imaging
Close collaboration with ophthalmology colleagues
Modern facilities
Convenient access
Care for patients across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury
Our aim is to provide clear answers and targeted treatment, avoiding unnecessary or ineffective therapies.
👉 If watery eyes are affecting your comfort or daily life, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics or Medicana Winchester for expert assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Watery Eyes (Epiphora)
What are watery eyes (epiphora)?
Watery eyes, medically known as epiphora, occur when tears overflow onto the face rather than draining normally into the nose. This can be due to overproduction of tears or a problem with tear drainage.
Are watery eyes always caused by dry eyes or allergies?
No. While dry eye and allergies are common causes, many patients have watery eyes due to blocked tear ducts or problems within the nose or sinuses that interfere with normal tear drainage.
Why are watery eyes often worse outdoors or in cold wind?
Cold air and wind stimulate tear production. If the drainage system cannot cope—due to blockage or narrowing—tears spill over the eyelids.
Can nasal problems cause watery eyes?
Yes. Because tears normally drain into the nose, conditions such as a deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis can worsen or contribute to watery eyes.
Is it normal for only one eye to be watery?
Persistent watering of one eye is more concerning than both and should be assessed, as it may indicate a blocked tear duct or local infection.
What is a blocked tear duct?
A blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) occurs when tears cannot drain properly into the nose. This is a common cause of watery eyes in adults and may lead to recurrent infections.
Can watery eyes be a sign of infection?
Yes. Infections such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or tear sac infection (dacryocystitis) can cause watering, often with redness, discharge, or discomfort, and require prompt treatment.
How are watery eyes investigated?
Assessment may include a detailed history, examination of the eyes and nose, nasal endoscopy, and evaluation of the tear drainage pathway. Referral to ophthalmology may be arranged if needed.
Do watery eyes always need surgery?
No. Many cases improve with medical treatment, such as managing allergies, treating nasal inflammation, or using eye lubricants. Surgical procedures are considered only if a tear duct obstruction is confirmed and symptoms are persistent.
Which specialist should I see for watery eyes?
Both ENT surgeons and ophthalmologists may be involved. ENT assessment is particularly valuable when nasal or sinus disease is suspected to be contributing.
Where can I be assessed?
Specialist assessment is available at Hampshire ENT Clinics and Medicana Winchester, providing consultant-led care for patients from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, and across Hampshire.
When should I seek urgent advice?
You should seek prompt assessment if watery eyes are associated with pain, redness, discharge, swelling near the inner corner of the eye, or recurrent infections.