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What are watery eyes?
Watery eyes happen when tears are overproduced or don’t drain properly, leaving the eyes feeling sore or constantly wet. At London Oculoplastics, we can help identify the cause and restore comfort and clear vision.
Symptoms of watery eyes
Watery eyes can cause constant tearing or tears that overflow onto the cheeks. You may also notice:
- Eye discomfort, redness or swelling
- Blurred vision, especially when reading or looking down
- Tearing is worse in the morning or outdoors
These symptoms can also occur with other eye conditions. For example, a sticky eye happens when mucus collects around the lashes, usually due to infection or a small cyst in the tear sac. Dry eyes, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) and inward-turning lashes may also lead to irritation and watering.
At London Oculoplastics, our specialists can assess the underlying cause and recommend the best treatment to relieve your symptoms.
What causes watery eyes?
Watery eyes can develop when too many tears are made or when they can’t drain properly.
Overproduction of tears
Irritation of the eye surface can trigger excess tearing. This may be caused by:
- Blepharitis
- Ingrown eyelashes or small foreign bodies
- Eyelids that turn inwards or outwards (entropion or ectropion)
- Dryness and eye strain can lead to reflex tearing (a response to eye irritation that leads to tear overproduction)
Tear drainage problems
If the tear duct is blocked or narrowed, tears can overflow instead of draining into the nose. Common causes include:
- Age-related narrowing of the tear duct, known as primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO)
- Infection or inflammation, such as dacryocystitis or canaliculitis
- Previous injury or surgery
- A naturally blocked tear duct called congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children or babies
- Punctual stenosis (where the opening of the tear duct becomes narrowed, particularly after conjunctivitis)
At London Oculoplastics, we use specialist tests to pinpoint the cause and recommend the most effective treatment.
Normal flow of tears
Potential areas of tear drainage blockage
How are watery eyes diagnosed?
To find the cause of watery eyes, Mr Jimmy Uddin carries out a careful examination of the eyes, eyelids and nose. An uncomplicated tear duct syringing test is often performed in the clinic using a saline solution to assess how well the drainage system is functioning.
Further tests may include an X-ray with contrast dye (dacryocystogram), a tracer scan (lacrimal scintigraphy) or, in rare cases, a CT or MRI scan. These help confirm the exact cause so that the most effective treatment can be planned.
Treatment options for watery eyes in London
Many cases of watery eyes can be improved by treating the underlying cause, such as blepharitis, dry eyes or eyelid problems. When there is a blockage in the tear drainage system, a small surgical procedure may be needed to restore normal tear flow.
At London Oculoplastics, we offer a full range of advanced treatments for both adults and children. Each treatment plan is tailored to your needs and the underlying cause.
Eyelid surgery
If the eyelid is turned inwards or outwards (entropion or ectropion), gentle eyelid surgery can correct its position. This helps tears drain normally and prevents further irritation.
Punctoplasty
When the tiny openings in the eyelids (puncta) become narrowed or blocked, a punctoplasty can widen the drainage opening. This is usually done under local anaesthetic and takes around 30 minutes.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
If the tear duct is blocked deeper in the system, a DCR may be recommended. This operation creates a new passage between the tear sac and the nose to restore drainage.
There are two main techniques:
- External DCR – a small incision is made on the side of the nose to access the tear sac
- Endoscopic endonasal DCR (EndoDCR) – performed entirely through the nose with no visible scar
Both methods are highly effective. The procedure usually takes 40–60 minutes and is often done under general anaesthetic, though local anaesthetic with sedation can also be used.
Lester Jones tubes
In more complex cases where the drainage channel (canaliculus) is blocked, a Lester Jones tube may be inserted. This small glass tube provides a new pathway for tears to drain into the nose and can offer long-term relief.
What do Lester Jones tubes look like?
A silicone tube is hardly noticeable in the right eyelid.
The tube is being demonstrated with the eyelid being pulled down.
A Lester Jones by-pass tube drains tears directly into the nose.
Treating watery eyes in children
In babies and young children, watery eyes are often caused by a naturally blocked tear duct (congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction).
Most improve naturally within a year, but if tearing persists, treatment may include:
- Lacrimal sac massage (a simple technique to help open the tear duct by applying light pressure near the inner corner of the eye)
- Antibiotic drops
In rare cases, a DCR surgery may be needed to create a new tear passage. This procedure is safe and effective. Our team will guide you and your child through every step to ensure they’re comfortable and well cared for.
Why choose London Oculoplastics?
At London Oculoplastics, your care is led by Mr Jimmy Uddin, senior consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital. With over 25 years of experience and international recognition, he combines advanced surgical skill with a compassionate approach to every patient.
Local and international patients choose London Oculoplastics for expert diagnosis, precise treatment and outstanding outcomes.
Paying for your watery eye treatment in London
We offer transparent self-pay pricing for all watery eye treatments. You can choose to self-fund your care or use private medical insurance.
Our team will confirm all costs before your procedure and help guide you through payment options.
Access personalised watery eye treatment with London Oculoplastics
If watery eyes are affecting your comfort or confidence, we can help you see clearly again with expert care.
Watery eyes treatment frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Contact us
Moorfields Private Outpatient Centre
London (Central London)
Moorfields Private Practice
London (Central London)
Parkside Hospital