How does a cold affect your eyes. What causes excessive tearing during illness. Can flu symptoms impact your vision. Why do eyes become watery when you’re sick. How to manage eye discomfort during a cold or flu.

The Connection Between Colds and Watery Eyes

When you’re battling a cold or flu, you might notice your eyes becoming unusually watery. This symptom, while often overlooked, is a common occurrence during respiratory infections. But what exactly causes this phenomenon?

The primary reason for watery eyes during a cold is the body’s inflammatory response to the virus. As your immune system fights off the infection, it triggers inflammation in various parts of your body, including the areas around your eyes and nasal passages. This inflammation can affect the normal functioning of your tear ducts and lacrimal glands, leading to excessive tear production.

How Does Inflammation Affect Your Eyes?

Inflammation can cause several changes in and around your eyes:

• Swelling of the tear ducts, which can block proper drainage
• Irritation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the eye)
• Increased blood flow to the eye area, causing redness and warmth
• Stimulation of the lacrimal glands, resulting in increased tear production

These factors combined create the perfect storm for watery eyes during a cold or flu.

The Role of Nasal Congestion in Eye Watering

Another significant factor contributing to watery eyes during a cold is nasal congestion. The nasal passages and tear ducts are closely connected, forming a complex drainage system for tears. When you have a cold, your nasal passages become congested and swollen, which can impede the normal flow of tears.

Typically, tears drain from your eyes through small openings called puncta, then travel down the nasolacrimal duct into your nose. When this pathway is blocked due to congestion, tears have nowhere to go but out onto your cheeks, resulting in watery eyes.

The Nasolacrimal System: A Closer Look

Understanding the nasolacrimal system helps explain why nasal congestion affects your eyes:

1. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands located above each eye.
2. They spread across the eye surface with each blink, keeping the eye moist and protected.
3. Excess tears are drained through the puncta at the inner corners of your eyelids.
4. These tears then flow through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity.
5. When congested, this system backs up, causing tears to spill over onto the cheeks.

Viral Conjunctivitis: A Common Cold Complication

In some cases, watery eyes during a cold might be a sign of viral conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye.” This condition occurs when the virus causing your cold also infects the conjunctiva of your eye. Viral conjunctivitis can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Excessive tearing
• Redness in the white of the eye
• Itching or burning sensation
• Sensitivity to light
• Swollen eyelids

If you suspect you have viral conjunctivitis, it’s important to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent spreading the infection. The condition usually resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks, but if symptoms persist or worsen, consult an eye care professional.

Managing Watery Eyes During a Cold

While watery eyes can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, there are several strategies you can employ to manage this symptom during a cold or flu:

1. Keep Your Eyes Clean

Gently clean your eyelids with a warm, damp cloth to remove any discharge and soothe irritation. Be sure to use a clean cloth each time to avoid reintroducing bacteria or viruses to your eyes.

2. Use Artificial Tears

Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and flush out irritants. Look for preservative-free options if you plan to use them frequently.

3. Apply a Warm Compress

Placing a warm compress over your eyes for a few minutes can help relieve congestion and soothe irritated eyes. Ensure the compress is not too hot to avoid burning your skin.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus secretions, potentially easing nasal congestion and improving tear drainage.

5. Use a Humidifier

Adding moisture to the air can help prevent your eyes from drying out, which can exacerbate watering.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Watery Eyes

While watery eyes during a cold are usually not a cause for concern, there are instances where you should consult a healthcare professional:

• If eye watering persists for more than two weeks after other cold symptoms have resolved
• If you experience severe eye pain or a significant change in vision
• If there’s thick, colored discharge from your eyes
• If you have a high fever or severe headache along with eye symptoms
• If you’ve had recent eye surgery or trauma

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

The Impact of Flu on Eye Health

While colds primarily affect the upper respiratory system, influenza (flu) can have more widespread effects on the body, including the eyes. In addition to watery eyes, flu can cause other ocular symptoms:

Eye Pain and Sensitivity

The flu virus can cause inflammation of the muscles and tissues around the eyes, leading to soreness and increased sensitivity to light. This can result in a feeling of pressure or pain behind the eyes.

Blurred Vision

In some cases, flu can cause temporary changes in vision. This is often due to inflammation or changes in blood flow to the eyes. While usually temporary, any persistent vision changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Retinal Complications

In rare cases, severe flu can lead to more serious eye complications, such as retinal hemorrhages or inflammation. These conditions are more common in individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions.

Preventing Eye-Related Cold and Flu Symptoms

While it’s not always possible to prevent catching a cold or flu, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and potentially minimize eye-related symptoms:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. This can help prevent the spread of viruses that cause colds and flu.

2. Boost Your Immune System

Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and zinc, which are known to support immune function. Regular exercise and adequate sleep also play crucial roles in maintaining a strong immune system.

3. Get Vaccinated

Annual flu vaccines can help protect against influenza viruses. While they don’t prevent all cases of flu, they can reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.

4. Protect Your Eyes

When you’re around people who are sick, consider wearing glasses instead of contact lenses. Glasses can act as a barrier, potentially reducing the risk of viral particles reaching your eyes.

5. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.

Long-Term Effects of Recurring Colds on Eye Health

While most colds resolve without lasting effects on eye health, frequent or chronic respiratory infections can potentially lead to long-term issues:

Chronic Dry Eye

Repeated inflammation of the tear-producing glands can sometimes result in decreased tear production over time, leading to chronic dry eye syndrome.

Weakened Tear Film

The tear film, which protects and nourishes the eye’s surface, can become compromised with repeated infections, potentially increasing susceptibility to eye irritations and infections.

Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

In rare cases, chronic inflammation can lead to scarring and obstruction of the tear drainage system, resulting in persistent watery eyes even when not ill.

If you find yourself frequently battling colds or experiencing recurring eye symptoms, it’s important to consult with both your primary care physician and an eye care specialist. They can help identify any underlying issues and develop a management plan to protect your overall health and vision.

The Role of Allergies in Cold-Like Eye Symptoms

It’s worth noting that sometimes what appears to be cold-related eye watering might actually be due to allergies. Allergic reactions can cause symptoms very similar to those of a cold, including watery eyes, runny nose, and congestion. However, there are some key differences:

Cold vs. Allergy Symptoms: How to Tell the Difference

• Duration: Cold symptoms typically last 3-14 days, while allergy symptoms can persist for weeks or months.
• Onset: Cold symptoms develop gradually, while allergy symptoms often appear suddenly when exposed to a trigger.
• Itchiness: Allergies often cause itchy eyes and nose, which is less common with colds.
• Fever: Colds may cause a low-grade fever, while allergies typically do not.
• Mucus: Cold-related mucus tends to be thicker and more discolored, while allergy-related mucus is usually clear and watery.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to a cold or allergies, consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Innovations in Managing Cold-Related Eye Symptoms

As our understanding of the common cold and its effects on the body continues to evolve, new approaches to managing eye-related symptoms are emerging:

Advanced Eye Drops

Researchers are developing eye drops that not only provide lubrication but also contain ingredients that can help reduce inflammation and fight viral infections.

Nasal Sprays for Tear Duct Health

New nasal sprays are being designed to target the nasolacrimal system, helping to maintain proper tear drainage even during respiratory infections.

Wearable Technology

Smart glasses that can monitor eye moisture levels and provide targeted relief are in development, potentially offering personalized care for those prone to eye symptoms during colds.

Immune-Boosting Eye Care

Eye drops and supplements that specifically target ocular immune health are being researched, aiming to strengthen the eye’s natural defenses against viral infections.

While these innovations are promising, it’s important to approach new treatments with caution and always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedies for cold-related eye symptoms.

Understanding the connection between colds, flu, and eye health is crucial for managing symptoms effectively and maintaining overall well-being. By recognizing the causes of watery eyes during illness and employing appropriate care strategies, you can minimize discomfort and protect your vision. Remember, while watery eyes are often a benign symptom of colds and flu, persistent or severe eye issues should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper treatment and prevent potential complications.

Why Do My Eyes Water in Cold Weather

The cold weather months bring snow, sleet, and dry air. Winter walking, skating, and other outdoor activities often come with watery eyes that make your eyes red, makeup smudge, and make you look sad when you’re not.

An eye exam can ease your eye health concerns, but watering eyes are typical in cold weather. As counterintuitive as it sounds, your eyes water when they’re too dry. Dry eyes lead to your tear glands producing extra lubrication. The winter months bring the perfect storm of factors to make your eyes water.

What Causes Your Eyes to Water in Cold Weather?

Watery eyes are commonly caused by windy days and cold, dry air that dehydrates your eyes. As your eyes become overly dry, your tear glands will work overtime to produce excess tears. Instead of just lubricating your eyes, tears can fall when your tear ducts are overwhelmed. Even though you’re not sad, your tear glands might make it look like you are. Like a furnace, they cannot turn off right away.   

Outdoor conditions aren’t the only reason your eyes water in cold weather. Chilly conditions tempt you to blast the heat in your car or home furnace, producing the dry air it takes to irritate your eyes. This irritation can manifest in spontaneous watering eyes and trigger your tear glands  to overproduce lubrication.

As annoying as it can be, watery eyes can sometimes indicate your eyes are healthy. It’s a sign that your tear glands are working as they should and creating the excess lubrication your eyes need as moisture evaporates in cold air.

In other cases, watery eyes can be caused by dry eye disease. When you’re suffering from dry eye disease, watery eyes mixed with other symptoms such as redness, eye fatigue, scratchiness, or pain. Too many tears can indicate issues with your tear film, requiring artificial tears or medicated eye drops to ease the symptoms. 

How to Prevent Watery Eyes in Cold Weather?

Running for tissues to combat watering eyes can leave them red and irritated. Preventing watering eyes before they create real tears is the key to overcoming cold weather waterworks.

Wear Glasses

Wearing your glasses and sunglasses in the winter is a simple method to create a barrier between your eyes and the wind. It keeps the humidity between your eyes and lenses contained, so your eyes don’t become overly dry. Contact lenses can also dry out your eyes, so swapping them for your glasses on cold days tends to be beneficial for your eye health. You can also wear sunglasses over your contacts lenses. 

Just like with snowboarding and skiing, all winter sports, like snowshoeing and winter hiking benefit from eye protection goggles to prevent eye-watering, irritation and U.V damage.

Add Moisture

It may seem odd to add moisture to eyes that are already watering, but because dry eyes are the cause, eye drops can stop your eyes from producing excess water. Before you go out into the windy, snowy cold, a few drops can keep the surface of your eyes lubricated.

You can also add humidifiers to your indoor spaces to keep moisture in the air. It will counteract the drying effects of your furnace on cold days and promote natural lubrication of your eyes.

​​Tips to Take Care of Your Eyes in the Winter

 In the winter, your eyes need special care. Some tips to keep your eyes extra safe in winter include:

• Keep your eyes safe from snow-related damage and scratches. Shards of icy snowflakes can scratch the cornea.
• Despite the festive season, don’t share mascara or eyeliner with anyone. The risk of spreading bacteria is not worth flawless makeup.
• Don’t be afraid to blink excessively. Your eyes are trying to find the right balance of moisture, and blinking is the best way to lubricate your eyes.

Should You See an Optometrist for Watery Eyes?

If you notice your eyes water in cold weather with no other irritation or symptoms, your eyes are likely trying to prevent your eyes from getting overly dry.

If you’re noticing that your eyes are persistently watering, regardless of the environmental conditions, you may be experiencing epiphora––which is the scientific term for tearing or watery eyes.

Epiphora

When the tear film can’t drain properly, or there is an overproduction of tears, you can experience watering eyes. There’s a balance between healthy tears that keep the eye’s surface healthy and too much tearing that negatively affects your vision.

People who develop consistent watering eyes may notice other symptoms, including:

• Redness in the eyes
• Swelling
• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue
• Mucus around or in the eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

In cold, windy weather, these symptoms can intensify.

These indicators of watering eyes can be uncomfortable, and you may notice difficulty when driving at night and more sensitivity to screens or other lights. These markers are a sign that you need to see an optometrist.

Dry Eye Disease

When your eyes are overwatering, it’s a common sign of dry eye disease. Your eyes are trying to lubricate themselves by flooding with tears. It indicates a problem with your tear film where your tear layers are out of balance. Your tear film can be affected by:

• Too much exposure to screens
• Poorly fitted contact lenses
• Eyelid inflammation
• Certain prescription medication
• Ocular surgery 
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

Dry eye disease is common, but you don’t have to live with it. Detail your symptoms to your optometrist to start treating dry eye disease and stop your eyes from overwatering. 

Still Experiencing Watering Eyes?

If you’re concerned about watering eyes in cold weather or any other season, York Mills Eye Care can thoroughly examine your eyes and tear ducts to get to the root of your concerns. Book an appointment with our team to discuss your eye health and learn how to keep your eyes at their best in cold weather.

Why You Get Watery Eyes In Cold Weather

Are Watery Eyes a Bad Thing?

Watery eyes can actually be a good sign. While too much water can certainly be annoying, those tears are protecting your eyes by keeping them lubricated. The eye’s natural tear film is made up of three layers that work together to protect your cornea and maintain optimum eye comfort.

This maintenance is helped by something called the lacrimal gland, an important structure that sits just above each eye and acts as a water reservoir for the eye’s surface.

The moisture created by our lacrimal glands is constantly evaporating, so when our eyes get watery, that’s our glands reacting to a signal from the brain that we need more tears.

Is It Normal for Eyes to Get Watery In The Cold?

Most people will experience watery eyes occasionally when exposing themselves to cooler temperatures. Generally, cold air is also dry air, and it’s this lack of moisture that is problematic for our eyes.

Think back to the last time you were outside when it was particularly windy. If you were facing the wind, you probably started tearing a lot. That’s because all that air blowing into your eyes rapidly dries out your tear film and kicks your lacrimal glands into overdrive. Essentially, the same thing happens when our eyes encounter cold air, but usually to a lesser extent.

How to Prevent Dry Eyes in Cold Weather

While suffering from watery eyes on a cold day is fairly normal, if you find that your eyes constantly to feel dry when temperatures begin to dip, there are a few things you can do to try to prevent discomfort, such as:

• Using a humidifier at home
• Avoiding the outdoors on cold and windy days
• Wearing goggles or sunglasses for outdoor activities
• Applying preservative-free eye drops before heading out into the cold

If you find that the above measures aren’t doing enough or if you find your eyes are irritating you no matter the temperature, you may be suffering from dry eye disease, a problem that affects nearly a quarter of Canadians.

How Do I Know If I Have Dry Eye Disease?

One study conducted by a group of doctors in 2019 estimates that more than 6 million Canadians could be living with dry eye disease (DED). Many of them likely don’t realize they’re suffering from it and may even think their dry eyes are normal. 

You may be dealing with dry eye disease if you’re experiencing prolonged eye discomfort and any of the following symptoms:

• Burning/scratching
• Sensitivity to light
• Tired eyes

You can try our free online survey to help you determine whether or not your symptoms could be linked to DED. If you want dry eye relief,  you should also book an appointment to see an eye doctor that has the equipped knowledge in dry eye.

Are Dry Eyes a Big Deal?

Unfortunately, dry eyes are more than just an uncomfortable feeling. If left untreated, this imbalance in your tear film can lead to infection, inflammation of the eye, or in rare cases, damage to your cornea.

Don’t Live With Dry Eyes

MyDryEye helps match you with a dry eye doctor near you so that you can get help fast. We’ll help you find an eye doctor who can conduct a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and determine what course of treatment is right for you so that you can get back to feeling normal again. 

Watery eyes with colds and runny nose: causes, treatment 02 Colds are accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms. A person has a stuffy nose, a sore throat and head, and a fever. In addition, the patient often has watery eyes during a cold. The cause of this phenomenon is considered to be swelling of the soft tissues of the nose and irritation of the tear ducts. To get rid of such an unpleasant symptom, it is necessary to comprehensively treat a cold. Do not forget that under such a symptom, not only a respiratory disease, but also a number of other diseases can be hidden.

Features of the symptom

It is worth remembering that the tear ducts are connected to the nasal passages, so any disease of the nose can also affect the visual organs. With a runny nose, the mucous membrane swells strongly and moisture from the eyes cannot normally be released through the lacrimal canals, so it simply flows out of the corners of the eyes.

Such a disorder is often accompanied by pain and pain in the eyes, and photophobia often occurs. Constantly moist eyes are an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. If they begin to multiply on the mucous membrane of the eyes, then conjunctivitis develops. In this case, the use of antibacterial drugs is indispensable.

Why the eyes are watery

Tearing of the eyes with a runny nose is easily explained, due to swelling of the tissues of the nose, the normal discharge of tear fluid is disturbed. But the cause of such an unpleasant phenomenon can be a number of other diseases, some of which are somewhat reminiscent of a cold with symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis

Very similar to the common cold allergic rhinitis. In this case, a person has a scratchy throat and a strong flow from the nose. The patient often sneezes, his eyes become red and constantly watery.

Allergies can be triggered by certain foods, household dust and animal hair. Sometimes a person does not understand where his allergy came from, even without taking into account that he sleeps on a down pillow, and down is a great allergen.

Vasoconstrictor drops can also provoke an allergic reaction, especially if they are used very often. To avoid such a complication, such drops should be used no longer than 2-3 days.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis should begin with the elimination of any contact with allergens. Reception of antihistamine preparations is shown.

Conjunctivitis

An infectious disease such as conjunctivitis can provoke tearing. In this case, lacrimation and photophobia are also observed. Eyes hurt, they bake, pus is released from them. In the morning, the patient cannot open his eyes normally, as the eyelashes are glued together with purulent masses.

Conjunctivitis can be allergic, viral or bacterial, depending on this and prescribed treatment. With a viral and allergic form, two eyes are immediately affected, with a bacterial form of the disease, one eye is first affected, and a few days later the second.

Treatment is limited to the use of antibacterial drops and ointments. Floksal, Tobrex, Levomycetin drops and Tsiprolet will help. If several drugs are used, then the time interval between them should be at least 10 minutes.

In bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotics should be used for at least 5 days.

Influenza and acute respiratory infections

In case of respiratory diseases, the eyes are almost always red and watery. This is due to swelling of the nasal mucosa and irritation of the eyes by pathogens. This state lasts no more than 3 days.

Conjunctivitis can become a complication of a cold, in which case the symptom persists for a longer time. A cold is accompanied by a sore throat, runny nose, fever, and frequent sneezing. The patient needs complex treatment.

Pathologies of the paranasal sinuses

Diseases of the paranasal sinuses can also cause tearing. Most often, sinusitis leads to the constant release of lacrimal fluid. In this case, the maxillary sinuses become inflamed and filled with pus, as a result of which soft tissue edema occurs and the outflow of lacrimal fluid becomes difficult.

Sinusitis and rhinitis

With sinusitis and rhinitis, the patient often has a headache, there is a feeling of pressure from the inside in the region of the bridge of the nose and near the wings of the nose. With labyrinthitis, the patient is tormented by severe headaches. These diseases are accompanied by high fever, runny nose, cough and lacrimation.

Treatment consists of taking antibacterial drugs and washing the paranasal sinuses with antiseptic solutions. In especially advanced cases, bone punching and pumping out of purulent masses are required. Then the cavity is washed with an antiseptic solution. After such an operation, the patient must be prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics, which help prevent complications.

Tumors

Cysts and polyps in the nose can provoke tearing, especially if they are located close to the tear ducts. Treatment in this case is reduced to the removal of neoplasms surgically, the operation can be done with a laser or in the classical way. This surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia.

If lacrimation persists for a long time, a complete examination is necessary. Serious diseases can be the cause of this unpleasant phenomenon.

Peculiarities and causes in a child

Other factors may also be the cause of tearing in children of different ages. This symptom can be caused by:

• Various perfumes. Strongly pungent odors can provoke the strongest lacrimation in the baby.
• Excessively dry indoor air can also cause tearing. If there is a sick child in the house, then it is necessary to monitor the humidity of the air. During the illness, the mucous membranes of the baby are already too dry, which leads to their severe irritation. To humidify the air in your home, you can use wet towels or special household humidifiers.
• Foreign objects in the nose or eyes. In this case, the baby also sheds abundant tears. When a foreign body enters the eye, reddening of the mucous membrane and severe pain in the eyeball are observed. If some small object got into the nose, then more often there is lacrimation from both eyes at once and severe lacrimation.

In infants, watery eyes may be caused by an allergy to formula milk or complementary foods. Most often, such an allergy occurs with skin rashes like urticaria.

When to see a doctor

In some cases, you should not delay in going to the doctor, as there is a risk of serious complications. Only a specialist can accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment. A doctor’s examination is necessary in the following cases:

• If a cold is accompanied by a high temperature that does not go well or lasts more than 5 days in a row.
• If, in addition to tearing, there is skin itching and soft tissue swelling.
• If there is a suspicion that a foreign body has entered the nose or eye. In many cases, without the help of a doctor is not enough.
• If the patient’s condition worsens every minute.
• With suppuration from the eyes, and if in the morning the eyelashes stick together in purulent masses.
• If there is a feeling of pressure in the face or migraines are frequent.

In any case, it is necessary to see a doctor if a young child is ill. In children, colds are often complicated by bronchitis and pneumonia, which is explained by the special structure of the respiratory organs.

Treatment

In order to quickly and effectively cure colds, you should strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations. Do not try to treat only lacrimation, with a cold this will not work. You can treat colds with medicines and traditional medicine. At the same time, the latest methods only complement traditional treatment. The patient can be prescribed:

• Antiviral drugs – Groprinosin, Anaferon, Amizon and Viferon.
• Immunomodulatory drugs – tincture of Echinacea purpurea and medicines based on this medicinal herb.
• Antipyretics – Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

If a cold has a complication in the form of otitis media, conjunctivitis, bronchitis or other infectious diseases, then systemic antibiotics are indicated. In such cases, tablets and syrups are often prescribed, only injections are indicated for severe infections.

Time-tested traditional medicine recipes are good for colds:

• Linden tea. Helps to lower the temperature. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. It is recommended to drink linden decoction with the addition of a teaspoon of honey.
• Tea from raspberry twigs lowers the temperature well.
• With severe lacrimation or the first signs of conjunctivitis, it is recommended to wash the eyes with a concentrated decoction of chamomile or sage. For each eye should take a separate cotton swab.
• Rubbing. Various rubbing will help to quickly cure colds. To do this, it is good to use goat, badger or bear fat.

It should be borne in mind that the patient must not be rubbed at a high temperature, otherwise the condition will worsen significantly.

Eyes with colds are almost always watery due to a very stuffy nose. It is useless to treat the organs of vision in this case, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause of tearing. If a cold is complicated by conjunctivitis, you need to wash your eyes with antiseptic solutions. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Watery and sore eyes with a cold (what to do)

If your eyes are watery and sore with a cold, in 80% of cases it is necessary to treat first of all … a runny nose!

Cause watery and sore eyes with a cold may be sinusitis. What it is? Like many other medical terms ending in -itis, sinusitis refers to inflammation. In this case, inflammation of the sinus, and more specifically, the paranasal sinuses. As a rule, sinusitis begins with a cold or flu, when, after some time, the nasal septum swells and sputum production increases on the mucous membrane. The nasal septum swells so much that the passages to the paranasal sinuses are clogged. When phlegm and air cannot move freely between the nose and sinuses, excess pressure builds up in the sinuses. It causes pain in the frontal part of the skull, in the cheeks and upper jaw. And also around the eye sockets. That’s why the eyes hurt with a cold.

Headache and eye pain can also be caused by other causes, such as the common migraine. In this case, it passes quite quickly, within one day, and even without treatment. Whereas a headache from sinusitis lasts up to several weeks.

The reason why our eyes water when we have a cold is also quite simple – swelling of the nasolacrimal canal. The nasal canal is clogged, there is no other way for the fluid to go out, as through the lacrimal canal.

In most cases, syunsitis can be cured quite quickly and without consequences. Quite rarely, there are cases when sinusitis provokes eye diseases, despite the fact that the focus of infection is located very close to the eyes. Sinusitis is much more dangerous for the lungs and the respiratory system as a whole. Sinusitis is generally treated with antibiotics. It is customary to treat a stuffy nose with vasoconstrictor drops, for example, Naphthyzinum. However, one should not get carried away with such treatment – the abuse of this remedy can cause rhinitis.

The main recommendation for those who have watery and sore eyes during a cold is the following: try not to create excessive pressure in the sinuses. For example, when blowing your nose, do it gently, pinching each nostril in turn, and not both at once. Try to postpone your flight until you are well. When taking off or landing, passengers on an airplane experience a sudden pressure drop that will make your eye pain worse.