One Eye Watering
Free Symptom Checker
with Physician-supervised AI
Worried about your symptoms?
Start the One Eye Watering test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Try one of these related symptoms.
One eye keeps watering
Eye discharge
Red eye
Blurry vision
Eye pain
Itchy eyes
Left eye watering
Right eye watering
One eye itching in the corner
Eye mucus
Eye itchy and watery
One eye tearing all the time
About the Symptom
This can happen when the eye is inflamed or irritated, such as when you have allergies or an eye infection. Excess tears are the body's attempt to wash away whatever is irritating the eye. If tearing is only in one eye, it may also be due to a blockage in the drainage duct.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Headache
- Fever
- Unilateral blindness
- Conjunctival redness
- Eye pain
- Blurring of vision
Possible Causes
Generally, One eye watering can be related to:
- Intraocular Foreign Body
Intraocular foreign bodies are unintentional projectiles that are retained in the eye and require urgent diagnosis. If left unattended, they may lead to vision loss and blindness.
- Cluster Headache
This condition involves repetitive brief headaches that occur as episodes of severe pain (typically on one side of the head) associated with possible eye redness/tearing or runny nose. These episodes happen in bouts or "clusters" of several per day, potentially lasting for weeks or even months in a row. The pain can be disabling and greatly interfere with daily life.
- Migraine
A type of headache that typically presents as throbbing, pulsating pain on one side of the head, sometimes with associated nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, sensory disturbances, such as vision changes (seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines), can occur before the headache. The pain may worsen on exposure to bright lights or loud noise. Triggers for migraine include stress, poor sleep, caffeine, and hormonal changes in women.
- Allergic Rhinitis / Allergic Conjunctivitis (Including Spring Catarrh)
- Common Cold (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection)
- Uveitis
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, One eye watering may be related to these serious diseases:
- Endophthalmitis
Inflammation inside the eyeball, typically from infection. Quick medical treatment is necessary to avoid permanent blindness.
- Acute Glaucoma Attack
- Bell's Palsy
- Skedosporium Disease
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Is there tearing from one eye only?
- Have you had one teary eye before?
- How long have you had one teary eye?
- How has your teary eye changed since it started?
- How much does having one teary eye impact you?
Reviewed By:
Ami Shah Vira, MD (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Shah Vira grew up in Arizona. She moved to Chicago to complete a combined engineering and medical program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and Chicago Medical School. She completed a highly competitive two year dual fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology and Oculoplastic at the highly regarded Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Shah Vira specializes in surgical correction of the eyelids and eyebrows, eyelid malposition and tumors, excessive tearing, and conditions involving the orbit.
Masashi Mimura, MD (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Mimura Graduated from the Osaka Medical College and obtained his ophthalmologist certification in 2007. He opened an outpatient clinic for oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery at Osaka Kaijo Hospital. Subsequently, he was appointed as the assistant professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, in 2014. He then served an international fellowship at the Department of Ophthalmology/Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, California State University, San Diego. Since then, he has been appointed as Lecturer in the Departments of Ophthalmology at Osaka Medical College and Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital. Dr. Mimura is currently the Director of Oculofacial Clinic Osaka, where he specializes in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
Try Free Symptom QuizHow Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min One Eye Watering quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Just one eye produces tears
- Only one eye has tears
- Tearing from one eye
- Unilateral tearing
- Tears from one eye
Find Similar Symptoms
Symptoms from similar body parts
Symptoms treated by the same specialty
FAQs
Q.
Why Is My Only One Eye Watering with Cold?
A.
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.
References:
Verjee MA, Brissette AR, Starr CE. Dry Eye Disease: Early Recognition with Guidance on Management and Treatment for Primary Care Family Physicians. Ophthalmol Ther. 2020 Dec;9(4):877-888. doi: 10.1007/s40123-020-00308-z. Epub 2020 Oct 22. PMID: 33090327; PMCID: PMC7708574.
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.
Q.
Why Is Only My Right Eye Watering?
A.
If only one eye is watering, it could be because of a blockage or irritation in that eye’s tear drainage system. This can cause the tears to build up and spill over.
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.
Q.
Why Is My One Eye Keep Burning and Watering?
A.
A burning and watering eye can happen when the eye is irritated by dryness, an infection, or even sinus problems. These symptoms in one eye might be the sign of a local issue that should be checked by a doctor.
References:
The epidemiology of dry eye disease: report of the Epidemiology Subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocul Surf. 2007 Apr;5(2):93-107. doi: 10.1016/s1542-0124(12)70082-4. PMID: 17508117.
Radovani P, Vasili D, Xhelili M, Dervishi J. Orbital complications of sinusitis. Balkan Med J. 2013 Jun;30(2):151-4. doi: 10.5152/balkanmedj.2013.8005. Epub 2013 Jun 1. PMID: 25207092; PMCID: PMC4115963.
Rokohl AC, Loreck N, Wawer Matos PA, Zwingelberg S, Augustin M, Dewald F, Grajewski RS, Klein F, Lehmann C, Heindl LM. More than loss of taste and smell: burning watering eyes in coronavirus disease 2019. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2020 Nov;26(11):1560.e5-1560.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.08.018. Epub 2020 Aug 21. PMID: 32835793; PMCID: PMC7442009.
Solano D, Fu L, Czyz CN. Viral Conjunctivitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
Why Does One Eye Keep Watering?
A.
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.
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.
Q.
Why Is Only My Left Eye Watering?
A.
If only one eye is watering, it might be because that eye’s tear drainage system is blocked or irritated, which makes tears build up and spill over.
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.
Q.
When Should I Be Worried About a Watery Eye?
A.
A watery eye is often harmless, but if it comes with pain, vision changes, or lasts a long time, it's important to see a doctor.
References:
Ono SJ, Abelson MB. Allergic conjunctivitis: update on pathophysiology and prospects for future treatment. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Jan;115(1):118-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2004.10.042. PMID: 15637556.
Gilani CJ, Yang A, Yonkers M, Boysen-Osborn M. Differentiating Urgent and Emergent Causes of Acute Red Eye for the Emergency Physician. West J Emerg Med. 2017 Apr;18(3):509-517. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2016.12.31798. Epub 2017 Mar 3. PMID: 28435504; PMCID: PMC5391903.
Lopez Montes T, Gurnani B, Stokkermans TJ. Assessment of the Watery Eye. [Updated 2024 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Patel J, Levin A, Patel BC. Epiphora. [Updated 2023 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
Why Do I Have Dry Eye in One Eye?
A.
Dry eye in one eye can happen when that eye doesn't make enough tears or loses them too quickly, often because of issues like a problem with its oil glands or local irritation.
References:
Sullivan DA, Sullivan BD, Evans JE, Schirra F, Yamagami H, Liu M, Richards SM, Suzuki T, Schaumberg DA, Sullivan RM, Dana MR. Androgen deficiency, Meibomian gland dysfunction, and evaporative dry eye. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 Jun;966:211-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04217.x. PMID: 12114274.
Horwath-Winter J, Berghold A, Schmut O, Floegel I, Solhdju V, Bodner E, Schwantzer G, Haller-Schober EM. Evaluation of the clinical course of dry eye syndrome. Arch Ophthalmol. 2003 Oct;121(10):1364-8. doi: 10.1001/archopht.121.10.1364. PMID: 14557170.
Peck T, Olsakovsky L, Aggarwal S. Dry Eye Syndrome in Menopause and Perimenopausal Age Group. J Midlife Health. 2017 Apr-Jun;8(2):51-54. doi: 10.4103/jmh.JMH_41_17. PMID: 28706404; PMCID: PMC5496280.
Findlay Q, Reid K. Dry eye disease: when to treat and when to refer. Aust Prescr. 2018 Oct;41(5):160-163. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2018.048. Epub 2018 Oct 1. PMID: 30410213; PMCID: PMC6202299.
Q.
Why Am I Having Stringy Eye Mucus?
A.
Stringy eye mucus can show up when your eyes are irritated or infected, and it may also happen if you keep rubbing your eyes—a habit sometimes known as mucus fishing syndrome.
References:
Weir E. Weep, oh mine eyes: an outbreak of bacterial conjunctivitis. CMAJ. 2002 May 14;166(10):1305. PMID: 12041849; PMCID: PMC111083.
Hashmi MF, Gurnani B, Benson S. Conjunctivitis. [Updated 2024 Jan 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Chiew RLJ, Au Eong DTM, Au Eong KG. Mucus fishing syndrome. BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Apr 8;15(4):e249188. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249188. PMID: 35396241; PMCID: PMC8996047.
Q.
Is There Any Relation Between One Eye Watering and Sinus Pressure?
A.
Yes, sinus pressure can sometimes affect one eye, causing it to water when nearby sinuses put pressure on the tear drainage areas.
References:
Bansberg SF, Harner SG, Forbes G. Relationship of the optic nerve to the paranasal sinuses as shown by computed tomography. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1987 Apr;96(4):331-5. doi: 10.1177/019459988709600405. PMID: 3108820.
Kim YH, Kim J, Kang MG, Lee DH, Chin HS, Jang TY, Kim NR. Optic nerve changes in chronic sinusitis patients: Correlation with disease severity and relevant sinus location. PLoS One. 2018 Jul 10;13(7):e0199875. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199875. PMID: 29990384; PMCID: PMC6038994.
Lopez Montes T, Gurnani B, Stokkermans TJ. Assessment of the Watery Eye. [Updated 2024 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
How Can I Get Rid of Eye Mucus?
A.
Keeping your eyes clean, using warm compresses, and following your doctor’s advice can help reduce excess eye mucus.
References:
Wood M. Conjunctivitis: diagnosis and management. Community Eye Health. 1999;12(30):19-20. PMID: 17491982; PMCID: PMC1706007.
Slagle WS, Slagle AM, Brough GH. Mucus fishing syndrome: case report and new treatment option. Optometry. 2001 Oct;72(10):634-40. PMID: 11712630.
Chiew RLJ, Au Eong DTM, Au Eong KG. Mucus fishing syndrome. BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Apr 8;15(4):e249188. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249188. PMID: 35396241; PMCID: PMC8996047.
Q.
What Causes White, Stringy Mucus in Eye?
A.
White, stringy mucus in your eye is often a sign of dryness, irritation, or allergies that cause your eye to produce more protective mucus.
References:
Portal C, Gouyer V, Gottrand F, Desseyn JL. Ocular mucins in dry eye disease. Exp Eye Res. 2019 Sep;186:107724. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107724. Epub 2019 Jul 17. PMID: 31325452.
Zemba M, Ionescu MA, Pîrvulescu RA, Dumitrescu OM, Daniel-Constantin B, Radu M, Stamate AC, Istrate S. Biomarkers of ocular allergy and dry eye disease. Rom J Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul-Sep;67(3):250-259. doi: 10.22336/rjo.2023.42. PMID: 37876509; PMCID: PMC10591437.
Zeppieri M, Bourget D. Periorbital Cellulitis. 2025 Feb 6. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 29261970.
Q.
How Can I Get Rid of Yellow Eye Mucus?
A.
Yellow eye mucus is often a sign of an infection or irritation, and treating it usually involves keeping the eye clean and, if needed, using medications as directed by a doctor.
References:
Hearne BJ, Hearne EG, Montgomery H, Lightman SL. Eye care in the intensive care unit. J Intensive Care Soc. 2018 Nov;19(4):345-350. doi: 10.1177/1751143718764529. Epub 2018 Mar 22. PMID: 30515243; PMCID: PMC6259085.
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Conjunctivitis (pink eye) [Updated 2024 Dec 4].Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279313/
Sugimura T, Seo T, Terasaki N, Ozaki Y, Rikitake N, Okabe R, Matsushita M. Efficacy and safety of breast milk eye drops in infants with eye discharge. Acta Paediatr. 2021 Apr;110(4):1322-1329. doi: 10.1111/apa.15628. Epub 2021 Feb 25. PMID: 33098117.
Q.
Why Am I Having Green Mucus in Eye?
A.
Green mucus in your eye is often a sign of a bacterial infection, which causes your body to produce extra discharge to fight off the germs.
References:
Watson S, Cabrera-Aguas M, Khoo P. Common eye infections. Aust Prescr. 2018 Jun;41(3):67-72. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2018.016. Epub 2018 Jun 1. PMID: 29922000; PMCID: PMC6003010.
Pippin MM, Le JK. Bacterial Conjunctivitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Gurnani B, Kaur K. Bacterial Keratitis. [Updated 2023 Jun 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
What Is Eye Mucus Fishing Syndrome?
A.
Eye Mucus Fishing Syndrome is when someone keeps touching or picking the mucus from their eyes, and this habit actually makes the irritation and mucus worse.
References:
McCulley JP, Moore MB, Matoba AY. Mucus fishing syndrome. Ophthalmology. 1985 Sep;92(9):1262-5. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(85)33873-3. PMID: 4058886.
Slagle WS, Slagle AM, Brough GH. Mucus fishing syndrome: case report and new treatment option. Optometry. 2001 Oct;72(10):634-40. PMID: 11712630.
Chiew RLJ, Au Eong DTM, Au Eong KG. Mucus fishing syndrome. BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Apr 8;15(4):e249188. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249188. PMID: 35396241; PMCID: PMC8996047.
Q.
What Are the Home Remedies for Stringy Eye Mucus?
A.
You may use simple home remedies like warm compresses, gentle cleaning of your eyes, and natural drops like diluted honey (or, for infants, breast milk eye drops) to help with stringy eye mucus.
References:
Majtanova N, Cernak M, Majtan J. Honey: A Natural Remedy for Eye Diseases. Forsch Komplementmed. 2016;23(6):364-369. doi: 10.1159/000452116. Epub 2016 Nov 3. PMID: 27924791.
Baab S, Le PH, Gurnani B, et al. Allergic Conjunctivitis. [Updated 2024 Jan 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Sugimura T, Seo T, Terasaki N, Ozaki Y, Rikitake N, Okabe R, Matsushita M. Efficacy and safety of breast milk eye drops in infants with eye discharge. Acta Paediatr. 2021 Apr;110(4):1322-1329. doi: 10.1111/apa.15628. Epub 2021 Feb 25. PMID: 33098117.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.
Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders
“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024
“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023
“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)
Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Tearing patient - American Academy of Ophthalmology
https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/tearing-patient-diagnosis-management