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Published on: 8/20/2026
If only one eye is watering, it may be caused by a blockage or irritation in that eye's tear drainage system. When the drainage duct is obstructed or the eye is irritated, tears build up and spill over. Common causes include a blocked tear duct, dry eye, allergies, an eyelash rubbing the eye, a foreign object, or an eye infection like conjunctivitis.
Because a watery eye can stem from many different conditions—some minor, some requiring prompt care—it's worth understanding what's actually behind your symptoms before deciding on next steps. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insight into possible causes and clear guidance on what to do next.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026
Quick answers
The most common questions people ask when only one eye keeps watering
Our eyes work like little machines that make tears to keep them clean and comfortable. Normally, tears are made and then drain through tiny channels called tear ducts. When only one eye waters, it might mean that the tear duct in that eye is blocked or not working well.
This blockage results in the tears having nowhere to go and thus overflowing onto your cheek. Sometimes, that eye might water because of irritation or a small injury, such as dust or an allergy that makes it extra sensitive.
In rare cases, there could be a growth or abnormal change in the tear duct area that causes extra watering. While these problems are usually not serious, if you notice that your one eye keeps watering for a long time, it's a good idea to check your symptoms with our free AI symptom checker or see an eye doctor. An eye doctor can look closely at that eye to see what might be causing the problem and suggest treatments to help your eye feel better.
(References)
Patel J, Levin A, Patel BC. Epiphora. [Updated 2023 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
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.
Bewes T, Sacks R, Sacks PL, Chin D, Mrad N, Wilcsek G, Tumuluri K, Harvey R. Incidence of neoplasia in patients with unilateral epiphora. J Laryngol Otol. 2015 Jul;129 Suppl 3:S53-7. doi: 10.1017/S0022215115001504. PMID: 26173845.
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