Watery eyes is a common issue - especially in winter. But why? And what can you do about it? Professional services optician Nimmi Mistry sheds light on the subject as he answers some commonly asked questions
Why do my eyes keep watering?
There are a few reasons you might be experiencing watery eyes in winter.
The first is, of course, the weather.
The cold winter air holds less moisture than warm air and therefore tends to be drier.
The drop in humidity also enhances the evaporation of our tears and leads to eyes feeling more irritated.
Yet our reflex mechanism is to produce more tears, which are also triggered to provide protection and relief against harsh winds.
This year, extreme winds have been more prevalent, due to the frequency of stormy weather.
Colder temperatures mean we use central heating or fires more often to heat our homes and workplaces.
This further removes moisture from the air and increases eye irritation.
Other reasons for watery eyes during the winter months include colds and flus which are, of course, on the rise at this time of year.
Such cases may give rise to conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctival region of the eye.
This thin mucous membrane lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white of the eye.
It commonly occurs in people of all ages and can affect one or both eyes.
Conjunctivitis is most prevalent in its highly contagious viral form, which easily spreads through droplet contact from infected individuals or objects.
There's no treatment for this type of conjunctivitis but using artificial tears (eye drops) and cold compresses can provide temporary relief.
Although not exclusively a wintertime problem, eye strain can also be a cause of watery eyes.
This can be due to the longer periods of dark in winter and more time spent indoors in front of screens.
An increase in screen time, combined with reduced blinking due to a need for greater concentration, can irritate the eyes and bring about an increase in tear production.
How can I prevent watery eyes?
The way to remedy or prevent watery eyes will depend on the cause. But there are some ways you can help alleviate the symptom:
1. Add moisture to the air
The dry heat in winter can cause the humidity levels in the air to drop, increasing the onset of dry eyes. Add moisture back into the air with a humidifier to provide relief and prevent further issues. If this is too costly you can place a bowl of water under working radiators to work in the same way without using as much energy.
2. Stay hydrated
It may seem like an obvious tip, but it's vital to stay hydrated to keep your eyes moisturised. Adults should be drinking at least 2 litres of water per day (around 6-8 glasses). When you're hydrated, so are your eyes.
It's also important to mention that coffee, tea, and alcohol are diuretics (which means they remove water from the body). Make sure you're drinking the recommended amount of water as well as these drinks.
3. Use eye drops
Make sure your eyes are moisturised by using eye drops. Otherwise known as artificial tears, these drops provide relief from symptoms of dry eyes by providing lubrication.
You can buy eye drops online, in supermarkets or in high-street pharmacies without a prescription. But make sure to consult a professional if in doubt before you buy.
4. Be strict with screen time
If dry eye is the root cause of your watery eyes, then excessive screen time will only exacerbate the symptoms. Be strict with screen time and make sure you take regular screen breaks, especially when you're working. You can also incorporate the 20-20-20 rule into your daily routine to avoid digital eye strain and dry eyes. This involves looking away from your screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds at an object that is 20 feet away.
5. Do some eye exercises
There's a range of non-vigorous eye exercises that can help alleviate the symptoms of dryness:
- Blinking consciously: This involves keeping your eyes closed for half a second before reopening. Repeating this 20 times will help the eye rebuild its natural hydration.
- Palming: Place the palms of your hands slightly cupped over the eyes, without applying pressure. Let your fingertips overlap, resting on the forehead and try to not let any light through and breathe deeply for a minute.
Adding these exercises to your daily routine will not only help in keep your eyes hydrated but will provide a sense of relaxation
TikTok hack warning!
Can I use Vaseline under my eyes to stop them watering?
As with many issues, social media users share some "hacks" to help watery eyes, the most recent being using petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, under the eyes to prevent watering.
Although petroleum jelly is a great barrier for hay fever when used under the nose, putting this substance close to the eyes could make matters a lot worse if not correctly applied.
Safely applying Vaseline under the eyes, by ensuring no direct contact is made with the eye, and hands are washed prior to its application is perfectly acceptable.
What is not advisable is applying Vaseline near the corner of the eye or its waterline.
This not only causes temporary blurring of the vision but will cause irritation and unwanted tearing.
You should avoid this hack altogether if you are a contact lens wearer.
Petroleum-based products like Vaseline can adhere to contact lenses, smearing the lenses and leading to reduced visibility.
This can make it difficult to see clearly through your lenses.
There's also the possibility of infection, if hands are not washed prior to applying or a previously opened Vaseline tub is used.
Vaseline is hydrophobic (does not mix with water) which is why it is commonly used to prevent the smudging of eye make-up.
For anything else, it is recommended Vaseline is not used, but instead to implement the tips outlined above to soothe irritated eyes.
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