At first, it just feels like your eyes are being dramatic — tearing up in bright light, while using your phone, or even doing absolutely nothing. You wipe it off and move on.
But when it keeps happening — at the office, in traffic, while watching TV — it becomes a quiet irritation. Then a question forms:
“Why do my eyes keep watering?”
It’s more common than you think. And no, it’s not always because you’re emotional or staring at your screen too long. Sometimes, your eyes water because something’s actually wrong.
Let’s break down the possible causes — and what you should do next.
1. Your Eyes Are Dry
It sounds strange, but one of the top causes of watery eyes is actually dry eyes. When your eyes feel irritated or dry, your body tries to overcompensate by producing more tears. But these tears are usually poor in quality — they evaporate quickly, and they don’t relieve the discomfort.
If your watering gets worse while on a computer or in air-conditioned spaces, this could be the reason.
Look out for:
A scratchy, stinging feeling
Redness
Tearing when exposed to wind or A/C
Blurry vision that clears after blinking
2. There’s Something in Your Eye
From dust in the City air to tiny particles from makeup, your eyes are constantly exposed to irritants. And when they detect something foreign, they react the only way they know how — by tearing up to flush it out.
This isn’t a bad thing, but if the tearing persists, it could mean the object is still there or has caused inflammation.
Look out for:
One eye watering more than the other
A gritty or sandy sensation
Redness or puffiness around the eye
3. Allergies Are Acting Up
Your immune system loves drama. So when it thinks pollen, dust, smoke, or pet dander is a threat, it throws a reaction — red, itchy, watery eyes.
This is especially common in Nigeria’s dry season or harmattan, when airborne particles are high and indoor air quality drops.
Look out for:
Itching and sneezing
Runny nose
Watery eyes that worsen outdoors or around pets
4. Blocked Tear Ducts
Your tears normally drain through small ducts in the corner of your eyes. If those ducts are blocked — due to aging, infection, or inflammation — the tears have nowhere to go. So they overflow.
This condition is more common in older adults but can happen at any age.
Look out for:
Constant tearing (even when not crying)
Swelling near the nose or eyelid
Discharge from the inner eye corner
5. An Underlying Eye Condition
Your immune system loves drama. So when it thinks pollen, dust, smoke, or pet dander is a threat, it throws a reaction — red, itchy, watery eyes.
This is especially common in Nigeria’s dry season or harmattan, when airborne particles are high and indoor air quality drops.
Look out for:
Itching and sneezing
Runny nose
Watery eyes that worsen outdoors or around pets
How to Fix Watery Eyes: Home Care vs Medical Help
Let’s be real — not all watery eyes need a doctor. But here’s a quick guide on when to ride it out and when to make an appointment.
Try Home Remedies If:
The tearing is mild and occasional
It improves with eye drops or rest
You recently got exposed to wind, smoke, or screens
See an Eye Specialist If:
It’s been more than 5–7 days
Only one eye is affected
You experience pain, swelling, or discharge
Your vision becomes blurry
You wouldn’t ignore a leaking tap — so don’t ignore leaking eyes, especially if it’s frequent.
Final Thought: Tearing Up Isn’t Always Harmless
Excessive tearing may look like a minor problem, but sometimes it’s your body signaling something bigger. Whether it’s a blocked duct, chronic dryness, or allergies, watery eyes deserve just as much attention as dry ones.
And in cities like Lagos or Port Harcourt, where the air can be filled with dust, smoke, and constant screen exposure, your eyes are working overtime every single day.
The good news? Relief is available — often through something as simple as eye drops, tear duct flushing, or lifestyle tweaks.
Ready to get to the root of your watery eyes? Book a comprehensive eye exam with a certified optometrist at Soteria Eye Clinic.
Your vision shouldn’t feel like a faucet.
