Watery eyes are a common and often irritating symptom during a cold. This increased tear production is typically a temporary response as your body fights the illness. Understanding why this happens and what steps you can take can help manage the symptom until your cold resolves.
Why Your Eyes Water
When you catch a cold, viruses cause inflammation throughout your nasal passages. This inflammation extends to the mucous membranes lining these passages and can also affect the tear ducts connected to your nasal cavity. These ducts may become blocked or constricted, preventing tears from draining properly into the nose.
Your immune system releases histamines to combat the infection. These histamines increase blood flow and can cause swelling in the nasal passages, contributing to pressure on and blockage of tear ducts. The body also produces extra mucus to trap and remove the virus, and this mucus can accumulate in the eyes, leading to irritation and further tear production as the eyes attempt to flush out irritants.
At-Home Comfort Measures
Applying a warm compress to your eyes can help soothe irritation and encourage better tear flow. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eyelids for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day. Gently wiping away excess tears and discharge with a soft, clean tissue to prevent further irritation and maintain hygiene.
Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, allowing it to drain more easily from nasal passages and potentially reducing pressure on tear ducts. Using a humidifier, especially a cool-mist one, can add moisture to the air in your home. This prevents the air from becoming too dry, which might cause your eyes to produce more tears to compensate for dryness. Resting your eyes and getting sufficient sleep allows your body to focus energy on fighting the virus, which can help alleviate overall cold symptoms, including watery eyes.
Over-the-Counter Relief
Saline eye drops can help flush out irritants from the eyes and provide lubrication, which can be particularly helpful if your eyes are irritated by increased mucus or dryness. These drops supplement your natural tears and can be used as needed.
Oral decongestants, which work by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, can reduce swelling and congestion. This indirect effect may alleviate pressure on the tear ducts, potentially improving tear drainage. Some cold medications also contain antihistamines, which primarily target allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching, but may offer some short-term relief for watery eyes by blocking histamine release. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce overall inflammation and discomfort associated with a cold, which might indirectly help with eye irritation. Always follow product instructions and consult a pharmacist if you are uncertain about which product is appropriate for your symptoms.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a healthcare professional if your watery eyes persist for more than a week or two, or if symptoms worsen after initially improving. Persistent pain around your eyes, significant redness, or yellow or green discharge from the eyes warrant a doctor’s visit, as these could indicate a secondary infection like conjunctivitis.
Any changes in vision, such as blurriness, decreased vision, or increased sensitivity to light, should also prompt immediate medical evaluation. If you experience severe headaches, tenderness around your nose or sinuses, or feel something is stuck in your eye, consult a doctor to rule out other conditions or complications.