Eyes watering when lying down is a common experience, usually indicating a mild annoyance rather than a serious problem. Tears are essential for keeping eyes moist, clear of debris, and protected from infection. Produced by lacrimal glands, tears typically drain through small ducts into the nasal passages. When lying down, this drainage process can be affected, leading to a buildup of tears that may overflow. This article explores reasons for this phenomenon and offers management guidance.
Common Reasons Your Eyes Water When Lying Down
Dry eye syndrome is a frequent cause of watery eyes. When eyes are dry, irritation triggers a reflex to produce a large volume of watery tears. These reflex tears often lack the necessary oil and mucus components for proper lubrication, leading to ongoing irritation and excessive tearing. This reflex tearing is particularly noticeable when lying down, as the tear film may evaporate more easily or spread less effectively.
The eye’s drainage system, particularly the tear ducts, is another factor. Tears normally drain into the nose through tiny openings called puncta, located near the inner corner of the eyelids. Lying down reduces gravity’s assistance in guiding tears towards these ducts. This can cause tears to pool and overflow, especially if tear ducts are partially or completely blocked.
Allergens and irritants in the sleeping environment can trigger watery eyes. Dust mites in bedding and pet dander are common indoor allergens causing itchy, red, and watery eyes. Irritants from detergents or fragrances can contact the eyes when lying down, stimulating tear production. These substances may be more concentrated near the face when reclined, increasing ocular response.
Body position during sleep influences tear distribution and drainage. Lying on one side might pressure a tear duct, impeding drainage, or cause the eye to open slightly, increasing exposure and drying. This can lead to tears accumulating and overflowing from the affected eye. Different sleep positions also impact how tears spread across the ocular surface.
Certain eye conditions contribute to watery eyes, becoming more apparent when lying down. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid margins, leads to irritation, a gritty sensation, and excessive tearing. This condition often involves clogged oil glands, disrupting the tear film and causing tears to evaporate too quickly, prompting reflex tearing. Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” an inflammation of the conjunctiva, also causes redness, discharge, and watery eyes.
When to Consult a Doctor
While watery eyes when lying down are often benign, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional if watering is constant, worsens over time, or doesn’t improve with simple adjustments. Persistent symptoms can indicate an underlying issue requiring diagnosis and treatment.
Accompanying symptoms are key indicators for seeking professional advice. These include redness, pain, swelling, or discharge from the eye. Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or a foreign body sensation alongside watering also warrant examination. Tenderness around the nose or sinuses, or unexplained bruising around the eye, may indicate a blocked tear duct or other issues.
If watery eyes significantly interfere with daily activities such as sleep, reading, or work, a doctor’s visit can help identify the cause and provide solutions. Individuals with a history of eye injury, recent eye surgery, or known underlying health conditions that could affect eye health should also seek medical advice if they experience new or worsening watery eyes. A doctor can perform various examinations, such as checking tear duct patency or using a slit lamp, to determine the exact cause of the symptoms.
Steps to Relieve Watering Eyes at Home
Making adjustments to your immediate environment can help manage watery eyes. Keeping the bedroom clean, using allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, and washing bedding regularly can reduce exposure to dust mites and other allergens. Using an air purifier in the bedroom may also help to filter out airborne irritants.
Practicing good eye hygiene can alleviate symptoms, particularly if conditions like blepharitis are contributing to the watering. Applying a warm compress to the closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes can help clear oil glands and reduce inflammation. Gently massaging the eyelids after applying heat can further aid in releasing trapped secretions. Cleaning the eyelids with a mild solution, such as diluted baby shampoo or commercial eyelid wipes, can remove debris and reduce irritation.
Over-the-counter solutions can provide relief for watery eyes. Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can help moisten dry eyes and flush away irritants. Preservative-free artificial tears are often recommended, especially if drops are used more than four times a day, to avoid potential irritation from preservatives. Saline rinses can also help clear irritants from the eye’s surface. If allergies are suspected, over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines may reduce symptoms.
Adjusting your sleeping position might offer some relief. Experimenting with different positions or elevating the head slightly with an extra pillow can sometimes improve tear drainage and reduce pooling. Identifying and avoiding specific triggers, such as strong soaps, perfumes, or smoke, can also prevent irritation and subsequent tearing. Staying well-hydrated generally supports overall bodily functions, including tear production.