Published on: 3/5/2025
When it’s cold outside, one eye might water more because the cold or dry air can irritate that eye, causing extra tears to form.
In chilly weather, the air can be dry or windy, which sometimes irritates your eyes. When an eye gets irritated, it naturally produces more tears to help protect and soothe it—a bit like a built-in washing system. You might notice this happens more in one eye because maybe that eye is more exposed to the wind or cold, or its tear drainage doesn’t work as well compared to the other side. Sometimes even slight differences in how your tear ducts work can make one eye water more than the other. This extra tearing is usually a normal response to irritation or dryness, and it helps keep your eye comfortable. However, if you find that your eye keeps watering a lot or it’s causing you discomfort, it might be a good idea to speak with an eye doctor. They can look at your eyes to check how well your tear ducts are draining and recommend treatments or lifestyle tips to keep your eyes happy during colder weather.
(References)
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Patel J, Levin A, Patel BC. Epiphora. 2023 Aug 7. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32491381.
Lopez Montes T, Gurnani B, Stokkermans TJ. Assessment of the Watery Eye. 2024 Feb 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 36508543.
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