What causes watery eyes during a cold. How can you alleviate watery eyes at home. When should you see a doctor for watery eyes. What are the best remedies for watery eyes and a runny nose.

Understanding Watery Eyes as a Cold Symptom

Watery eyes are a common symptom experienced during a cold. This occurs as part of the body’s natural defense mechanism against viral infections. When you have a cold, your immune system triggers inflammation in the nasal passages and surrounding areas, including the tear ducts. This inflammation can lead to increased tear production and drainage issues, resulting in watery eyes.

Why do eyes water during a cold? The primary reasons include:

• Increased tear production to flush out irritants
• Inflammation of the tear ducts, causing blockage and overflow
• Sinus congestion, which can affect tear drainage
• Irritation from frequent nose blowing and touching the eye area

Home Remedies for Watery Eyes During a Cold

Fortunately, there are several effective home remedies to alleviate watery eyes when you’re battling a cold:

1. Gentle Eye Cleaning

Keeping your eyes clean is crucial when dealing with watery eyes during a cold. Use a soft, clean cloth dampened with warm water to gently wipe away any discharge or excess tears. This helps remove irritants and prevent further inflammation.

2. Cold Compress Application

Applying a cold compress can provide relief from watery eyes. How does it work? The cool temperature helps reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels around the eyes, potentially decreasing tear production. Use a clean, cool flannel or a gel eye mask for 5-10 minutes at a time.

3. Eyelid Massage

Gently massaging your eyelids can stimulate the oil glands, promoting better tear quality and reducing excess watering. Use clean hands to apply light pressure in circular motions around the eyes, focusing on the upper and lower lids.

4. Proper Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential when dealing with a cold and watery eyes. Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus secretions and supports overall immune function. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, and consider incorporating warm herbal teas for additional comfort.

Managing Watery Eyes and a Runny Nose Simultaneously

When dealing with both watery eyes and a runny nose during a cold, a comprehensive approach is necessary:

1. Rest and Recovery

Adequate rest is crucial for your immune system to combat the cold virus effectively. Ensure you get plenty of sleep and avoid overexertion during the day. This allows your body to direct energy towards healing and reducing symptoms like watery eyes and a runny nose.

2. Warm Compress Application

While a cold compress works well for watery eyes alone, a warm compress can be beneficial when dealing with both watery eyes and nasal congestion. The warmth helps soothe irritated eyes and can also help relieve sinus pressure, potentially reducing both eye watering and nasal discharge.

3. Nasal Irrigation

Using a saline nasal spray or neti pot can help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion. This, in turn, may alleviate pressure on the tear ducts and reduce eye watering. Always use sterile or distilled water when performing nasal irrigation to prevent infections.

Over-the-Counter Solutions for Watery Eyes

In addition to home remedies, several over-the-counter products can help manage watery eyes during a cold:

1. Artificial Tears

Lubricating eye drops can help wash away irritants and provide temporary relief from watery eyes. Look for preservative-free options if you plan to use them frequently.

2. Antihistamine Eye Drops

If allergies are contributing to your watery eyes alongside the cold, antihistamine eye drops may provide relief. However, consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider before using these, as they may not be suitable for everyone.

3. Decongestant Medications

Oral decongestants can help reduce nasal congestion, which may indirectly alleviate watery eyes by improving sinus drainage. Be cautious with these medications, as they can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.

Prevention Strategies for Watery Eyes During Colds

While it’s not always possible to prevent watery eyes when you have a cold, certain strategies can help minimize their occurrence:

• Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of viruses
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, which can help prevent eye irritation
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E to support eye health
• Get adequate sleep to support your immune system

When to Seek Medical Attention for Watery Eyes

In most cases, watery eyes associated with a cold will resolve on their own as the infection clears. However, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms persist for more than two weeks
• You experience severe eye pain or vision changes
• There’s thick, colored discharge from the eyes
• You have a history of eye problems or chronic conditions
• Over-the-counter remedies and home treatments provide no relief

A healthcare professional can determine if there’s an underlying condition causing your watery eyes and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Long-Term Management of Eye Health

While addressing watery eyes during a cold is important, maintaining overall eye health can help prevent future issues. Consider these long-term strategies:

1. Regular Eye Exams

Schedule routine eye check-ups to detect and address any potential problems early. How often should you have an eye exam? For most adults, every 1-2 years is recommended, but your eye doctor may suggest more frequent visits based on your individual needs.

2. Proper Eye Hygiene

Develop good eye hygiene habits, such as removing eye makeup before bed, avoiding sharing eye products, and using clean towels when wiping your eyes. These practices can help prevent infections and irritations that may lead to watery eyes.

3. Balanced Diet for Eye Health

Incorporate foods rich in eye-healthy nutrients into your diet. These include:

• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale) for lutein and zeaxanthin
• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) for omega-3 fatty acids
• Citrus fruits and berries for vitamin C
• Nuts and seeds for vitamin E
• Orange vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes) for beta-carotene

4. Protect Your Eyes

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and consider using protective eyewear when engaging in activities that may pose a risk to your eyes, such as certain sports or DIY projects.

Understanding the Connection Between Watery Eyes and Other Cold Symptoms

Watery eyes during a cold often occur alongside other symptoms, creating a complex interplay of discomfort. Understanding these connections can help in managing your overall cold experience more effectively:

1. Nasal Congestion and Watery Eyes

Nasal congestion can significantly impact tear drainage. How does this work? The nasal passages and tear ducts are closely connected. When your nose is congested, it can block the normal drainage of tears, leading to overflow and watery eyes. Managing nasal congestion through decongestants or nasal irrigation can often help alleviate watery eyes as well.

2. Sinus Pressure and Eye Discomfort

Sinus inflammation during a cold can create pressure around the eyes, potentially contributing to watery eyes and general eye discomfort. Addressing sinus pressure through steam inhalation or over-the-counter sinus medications may provide relief for both sinus and eye symptoms.

3. Coughing and Eye Strain

Frequent coughing can lead to increased pressure in the head and face, potentially exacerbating watery eyes. Additionally, the physical strain of coughing can cause temporary changes in tear production. Managing your cough through proper hydration and cough suppressants when necessary can indirectly benefit your eye comfort.

By addressing these interconnected symptoms holistically, you can achieve better overall relief during your cold.

Exploring Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Watery Eyes

While traditional remedies and over-the-counter solutions are effective for many, some individuals may be interested in exploring alternative or complementary therapies to manage watery eyes during a cold. Here are some options to consider:

1. Herbal Tea Compresses

Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile or green tea, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe watery eyes when used as a compress. Brew the tea, allow it to cool, then soak a clean cloth in the liquid and apply it gently to closed eyes for 5-10 minutes.

2. Essential Oil Diffusion

Some essential oils, like eucalyptus or peppermint, may help clear nasal passages and provide relief from cold symptoms, including watery eyes. Use a diffuser to disperse these oils in your room, but be cautious as some individuals may be sensitive to strong scents.

3. Acupressure

Certain acupressure points around the eyes and sinuses are believed to help relieve congestion and eye discomfort. Gently massaging these points may provide some relief, but it’s important to learn proper techniques from a qualified practitioner.

4. Vitamin C Supplementation

While not directly addressing watery eyes, increasing your vitamin C intake during a cold may help boost your immune system and potentially shorten the duration of your symptoms. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Remember, while these alternative therapies may provide relief for some individuals, they should not replace conventional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying new remedies, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

The Impact of Environment on Watery Eyes During a Cold

Your surrounding environment can significantly influence the severity of watery eyes when you have a cold. Understanding these factors can help you create a more comfortable setting for recovery:

1. Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate watery eyes during a cold. How can you improve it? Consider these steps:

• Use an air purifier to remove allergens and irritants
• Regularly change air filters in your HVAC system
• Keep indoor plants to naturally purify the air
• Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke

2. Humidity Levels

Maintaining proper humidity levels can help prevent eye irritation and excessive tearing. Aim for a humidity level between 30-50% in your home. Use a humidifier in dry environments, but be cautious not to over-humidify, as this can promote mold growth.

3. Lighting Conditions

Harsh or bright lighting can strain your eyes and potentially increase tearing. Opt for softer, indirect lighting when possible, and consider using blue light filters on electronic devices to reduce eye strain.

4. Temperature Control

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect tear production and eye comfort. Maintain a comfortable, consistent temperature in your living space to support eye health and overall recovery.

By optimizing your environment, you can create a more conducive atmosphere for managing watery eyes and other cold symptoms, potentially speeding up your recovery process.

Got Watery Eyes with a Cold? Here’s What to Do

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Watery eyes can be a bit of an obstacle when you’re trying to appear pulled together despite having a cold. So, what helps watery eyes with a common cold? With our top tips and tricks below, you’ll be able to get on with your day-to-day life. Sniffing and watery eyes often accompany each other, so we’ll also go through what to do when your cold brings both of them to the party.

What helps watery eyes with a common cold?

Watery eyes are a symptom of colds. And a remedy for watery eyes during a cold like the ones below, along with the right supplies, will help you cope with the waterworks. These tips specifically help watery eyes with a cold:

• Cleaning. Keeping your eyes clean with a gentle wash helps to remove any debris or irritants, which is also helpful when you’re suffering from allergies.
• Cold compress. Cool temperatures can, ironically, relieve this symptom of the common cold. A watery eyes home remedy to ease heat and prickliness involves placing a cool, clean flannel over your eyes for as long as necessary.
• Massage. A gentle eyelids massage could pep up the natural functions of your eyes during a cold. This method helps by stimulating the oil glands in your eyelids.
• Be prepared. When you have watery eyes with a common cold, it’s important to have the right kit with you when you’re out and about. That includes a quality pack of soft tissues, to help wipe your eyes whenever the need arises.

Those are the specifics on how to help watery eyes with a cold, but what about when you’re dealing with both sniffing and watery eyes? Watery eyes with a cold demand some slightly different approaches.

How to help watery eyes and a cold – at once!

It’s common to experience a runny nose and tearful eyes at the same time, so here are some general tips to deal with these sorts of cold symptoms:

• Rest. Your immune system will be busy expending energy on getting rid of the virus that has caused your sniffing and watery eyes, so by getting lots of rest you’ll help remove the virus more quickly.
• Stay hydrated. Sipping water regularly and eating clear chicken broth will help your mucus to thin and therefore drain faster from your nose. It will also help restore those fluids that have been lost due to your runny nose and watery eyes.
• Use a warm compress. The warmth of a damp, clean flannel over your nose and eyes can help soothe watery eyes. With a runny nose, it can help ease congestion.

With these tips you can help deal with your watery eyes that’re a symptom of a cold. Common cold reactions often include runny eyes with a cold, but you’ll be one step ahead of that pesky pair with these approaches.

If your symptoms don’t improve within a few weeks, we recommend seeing a doctor.

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Watering eyes – NHS

Watering eyes are common and often get better on their own, but treatment may be needed if the watering affects your daily activities.

Causes of watering eyes

It’s normal for your eyes to water in smoky environments or if you’re outside in the cold or wind.

An eye injury or something in your eye, such as an eyelash or a piece of grit, can also make your eyes water.

Sometimes watering eyes can be caused by:

• an allergy or infection (conjunctivitis)
• blocked tear ducts (the small tubes that tears drain into)
• your eyelid drooping away from the eye (ectropion) or other eyelid problems
• dry eye syndrome – this can cause your eyes to produce too many tears
• Bell’s palsy – a temporary weakness to one side of the face
• some medicines and cancer treatments

Babies often have watering eyes because their tear ducts are small. It usually gets better by the time they’re 1 year old.

A pharmacist can help with watering eyes

You can ask a pharmacist about:

• what you can do to treat watering eyes yourself – such as cleaning and protecting your eyes
• what you can buy to help – such as cleaning solutions, eyedrops or allergy medicines
• if you need to see an optician or GP

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• your eyes keep watering and it’s stopping you doing everyday activities
• your eyelid is turning inwards or drooping away from your eye
• you have any lumps or swellings around your eyes

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• you have any changes to your vision, such as loss of vision
• you have severe eye pain

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Treatment for watering eyes

Treatment may not be needed if your watering eyes are not causing problems.

If treatment is needed, it will depend on what the cause is.

For example:

• eyedrops can help if your eyes are dry
• antibiotic eyedrops can help if you have an eye infection
• medicines can help if you have an allergy
• anything in your eye, like a piece of grit, can be removed
• a small operation may be needed if you have a problem with your eyelids or you have blocked tear ducts

If the GP cannot find what’s causing your eyes to water, they may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for tests.

Page last reviewed: 30 September 2021
Next review due: 30 September 2024

Asthenopia (eye fatigue) – what to do if the eyes get tired quickly

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eyes, fatigue do not always speak of eye diseases or visual impairment. Maybe it’s asthenopia. The name is unfamiliar, but the state itself is familiar to everyone. This term ophthalmologists call eye fatigue as a result of prolonged intensive work. A person feels symptoms of asthenopia while reading a book or text from a computer screen, or after many hours of driving.

Visual tasks that require high concentration cause overexertion and spasm of muscles, and not only the eyes. The muscles of the eyelids, face, and even the jaw are also included in the visual process, and to such an extent that pain and discomfort are sometimes felt. Lighting also plays a role: the eyes get tired quickly in dim light. Looking intently at the monitor, carried away by his tasks, a person blinks less often, and asthenopia is accompanied by dryness of the eyeball. Refractive errors – nearsightedness and farsightedness – exacerbate eye fatigue.

In general, the symptoms of asthenopia are varied:

• fatigue,
• burning and pain in the eyes,
• blurry image,
• double vision,
• headache,
• lacrimation,
• dry eyes,
• sore neck,
• photophobia – hypersensitivity to light.

Many of these signs are also characteristic of eye diseases, astigmatism, farsightedness or nearsightedness. To understand the true cause, it is still better to come for a consultation with an ophthalmologist and undergo a comprehensive eye diagnosis.

What should I do if my eyes get tired quickly?

It is impossible to reduce the load on eyesight in the modern world – work, entertainment are unthinkable without gadgets. It’s not worth putting up with fatigue, especially since it’s easy enough to relieve tension.

Here are a few “recipes” available to everyone:

• Massage. Light circular movements in the area of ​​​​the eyelids and above the eyebrows for 40 seconds increase blood circulation and relax the muscles.
• Warm palms. Rub your palms and place them on your closed eyes for half a minute.
• Sunbathing. You can get an energy charge by substituting your face for a couple of minutes under the sun’s rays. The eyes must be covered.
• Exercise for the eyes. Even the alternation of looking far and at a close object trains the eye muscles.
• Cool water relieves swelling, tension and fatigue, improves blood circulation.
• Compresses from chamomile tea, milk, cucumber reduce puffiness, relieve irritation, help muscles relax.
• Lighting. Too bright light makes the eyes work hard, as well as too dim. Choose the optimal intensity.
• Brightness and color temperature on monitors. Remove excessive brightness on your computer and other gadgets. Take a break from the computer – give your eyes a rest.

And don’t forget to blink and breathe, no matter how absurd it may sound. Tears wash away germs and provide the cornea with the necessary lubrication, while deep breathing supplies oxygen to the eyes.

A little self-care and the discomfort will leave you. And trust the specialists for serious vision problems.

Suppuration of the eyes in an adult | Why eyes fester and how to treat it

Contents:

Why eyes fester in an adult treatment
Treatment of diseases that cause festering eyes
Prevention

The appearance of purulent discharge in the eye area is a common symptom. The cause is various diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. If the eyes of an adult fester, treatment should be under the supervision of a physician. Independent measures can lead to the expansion of the focus of inflammation.

Why adult eyes fester treatment

Suppuration in the eye area is associated with a number of ophthalmic diseases caused by infection on the mucous membrane. Common pathologies include:

• Conjunctivitis. The most common ailment caused by inflammation of the mucosa and accompanied by pain and itching. In the morning, eyelashes are covered with purulent secretions and stick together. The cause of the disease is viral, bacterial or fungal infections.
• Keratitis. The pathology is also characterized by inflammation of the cornea. There is tearing, pain in the eye, vision deteriorates. The disease can also develop as a result of injury or burns.
• Halazion. A common disease, manifested by the formation of a small benign tumor on the eyelid. It develops due to blockage of the meibomian glands and infection.
• Trachoma. Pathology is caused by chlamydia. When the infection penetrates into deep tissues, suppuration begins. Scars appear on the eye, which are then eliminated by surgery.
• Dacryocystitis. This inflammation of the lacrimal sac, the release of purulent contents into the conjunctival cavity causes purulent conjunctivitis. Allergic reaction. If an allergen gets on the mucous membrane, conjunctivitis with discharge also develops. Possible secondary infection.

Along with suppuration, redness, itching, burning, and lacrimation may appear. Diagnosis of diseases is often not difficult. If necessary, resort to hardware techniques.

Treatment of eye infections

Treatment of these diseases is possible at home, but before that you need to visit an ophthalmologist. It is important to correctly diagnose the pathology and determine the treatment plan.

The patient is advised to follow general recommendations: to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the eyes, to regularly carry out hygiene procedures. The organs of vision are washed several times a day with a solution of boric acid or furacilin.

For the period of treatment, they refuse contact lenses, do not use cosmetics, and refuse visual load. Patients use only personal hygiene products.

For the treatment of the disease appoint:

• Eye drops. Depending on the nature of the infection, they are antiviral or antibacterial. The frequency of procedures is determined by the ophthalmologist.
• Antibacterial ointments. Means are used for laying or lubricating their eyelids. The break between procedures is from 15 minutes.
• Antihistamines. Effective only in case of allergies.
• Warming up. This procedure is indicated only at the initial stage of the chalazion. If you heat a ripe abscess, the disease may worsen. An alternative to warming up are physiotherapy, but they are prescribed by an ophthalmologist.
• Massages. With purulent inflammations, they can be dangerous, since frequent touching of the eyes leads to the spread of infection. If this procedure is recommended by a doctor, it is carried out within the framework of a medical institution.