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Published on: 3/5/2025

Why Does One Eye Keep Watering?

One eye can keep watering when there is a blockage or irritation in the tear drainage system, which makes it hard for tears to flow out normally.

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Explanation

Our eyes make tears all the time to help keep them clean and comfortable. Normally, these tears flow out through small channels called tear ducts. Sometimes, one eye can keep watering if one of these ducts is partly or fully blocked. This blockage makes the eye overflow because the tears have nowhere to go. Other reasons may include irritation like an allergy or a small injury that causes extra tears to be made. In rare cases, constant watering in one eye may point to a growth or other abnormal change, which is why it’s important to get it checked out by an eye doctor. They can look at the tear ducts and the rest of your eye to find the exact cause and suggest proper treatment. Whether it’s a simple blockage that may be treated with a special plug or more advanced care, getting help can make a big difference. Always remember that when something doesn’t seem right with your eyes, talking to a trusted professional is a very good step.

(References)

  • Bohlman H. Perforated punctal plug in the treatment of partial punctal stenosis. Optometry. 2003 Aug;74(8):524-8. PMID: 12926826.

  • 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.

  • 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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