Many people experience watery eyes when stepping into the sun. This is often a natural protective mechanism, though environmental factors and underlying eye conditions can also contribute. Understanding why your eyes water can help you identify whether it is a normal reaction or a sign to seek professional advice.
The Eye’s Natural Reaction to Bright Light
When exposed to bright sunlight, a natural reflex called photophobia can trigger excessive tearing. This reflex involves the trigeminal nerve signaling the lacrimal glands to produce more tears. These tears shield the eyes from glare and potential damage.
Ultraviolet (UV) light also acts as an irritant. Exposure to UV rays, especially from sources like sun reflecting off snow or water, can lead to photokeratitis, essentially a sunburn of the eye. Tearing is a common symptom of photokeratitis, as the eyes attempt to wash away the irritant.
How Environmental Elements Contribute
Beyond direct light, other outdoor elements influence eye watering. Wind can accelerate tear film evaporation, leading to perceived dryness. This triggers a reflex tearing response to compensate for lost moisture, resulting in watery eyes.
Airborne irritants further exacerbate this issue. Particles like dust, pollution, and pollen can land on the eye’s surface, causing irritation. The eyes react by producing more tears, which act as a cleansing mechanism to flush out irritants. Chemical pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds, can also trigger eye irritation and watery eyes.
Common Eye Conditions That Cause Watering
Underlying eye conditions can make individuals more susceptible to watery eyes in sunny environments. Paradoxically, dry eye syndrome is a common cause of excessive tearing. When eyes do not produce enough quality tears or they evaporate too quickly, the ocular surface becomes irritated. This triggers a reflex overproduction of watery tears, which are often poor quality and do not adequately lubricate the eye, leading to a cycle of dryness and tearing.
Ocular allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, are another frequent cause of watery eyes, especially outdoors. Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can inflame the conjunctiva—the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye. This allergic reaction results in itching, redness, and excessive watery discharge as the body tries to flush out allergens. Other conditions, such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or uncorrected refractive errors, can also increase eye sensitivity and contribute to watering.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While occasional watery eyes in the sun are often a normal response, certain symptoms warrant a consultation with an eye care professional. Seek medical attention if watery eyes are accompanied by persistent pain, significant redness, or a feeling that something is constantly in your eye. Blurred vision, eye discharge, or extreme light sensitivity also indicate a potential underlying issue.
If home remedies do not alleviate the watering, or if the problem becomes chronic and impacts daily life, see a doctor. These symptoms could point to an infection, injury, blocked tear ducts, or other conditions requiring proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from developing into more serious complications.
Simple Ways to Reduce Eye Watering
Several practical steps can help manage or reduce eye watering when exposed to the sun. Wearing sunglasses is a primary recommendation, as they provide a physical barrier against wind, dust, and other airborne irritants. Sunglasses with 99-100% UV protection or a “UV 400” label block harmful UV rays, which can irritate the eyes and trigger tearing. Wraparound styles offer enhanced protection by shielding the eyes from light and wind entering from the sides.
Using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can help maintain the eye’s natural moisture balance and combat dryness that leads to reflex tearing. Staying hydrated supports overall bodily functions, including tear production. Avoiding rubbing your eyes, especially when irritated, can prevent further irritation and potential infection. Minimizing exposure to known environmental irritants can also help reduce watering.