Watery eyes, especially when lying down, are a common experience. While often harmless, this can sometimes signal an underlying issue. Understanding the various contributing factors can provide clarity.
Common Positional and Environmental Factors
When lying down, gravity’s role in tear drainage changes. Blinking normally pushes tears towards the tear ducts, with gravity assisting flow into nasal passages. In a reclined position, this gravitational assistance is reduced, causing tears to pool and overflow.
Your immediate environment can also contribute to watery eyes. Dust mites or pet dander in bedding can act as irritants or allergens, triggering irritation and excessive tearing. Dry air, often from heating or air conditioning, can cause eye discomfort and lead to reflex tearing as eyes try to re-moisten.
Your sleep position can also influence tear flow. Lying on your side might press against tear ducts or cause eyes to slightly open, leading to dryness and reflex tearing. Even mild narrowing of tear ducts can become more apparent, causing overflow when gravity doesn’t aid drainage effectively.
Medical Conditions Causing Excessive Tearing
Paradoxically, dry eye syndrome is a frequent cause of watery eyes. When eyes lack sufficient lubrication, they produce more tears, leading to an overproduction of watery, low-quality tears that do not adequately coat the eye’s surface and thus overflow. This reflex tearing can be noticeable when lying down due to reduced blinking and environmental factors that can exacerbate dryness.
Allergies commonly manifest with watery eyes. Indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, or pet dander are particularly relevant when lying down, as exposure can be heightened in bed environments. The body’s immune response to these allergens releases substances like histamine, causing irritation, itching, and increased tear production.
Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is inflammation of the conjunctiva, resulting in excessive tearing, alongside redness, itching, and discharge. This inflammation can be caused by viral, bacterial, or allergic reactions. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, also leads to eye irritation, burning sensations, and often excessive tearing, with symptoms frequently more pronounced in the morning.
Conditions affecting the position of the eyelids, such as ectropion (eyelid turning outward) or entropion (eyelid turning inward), can disrupt the normal distribution and drainage of tears, leading to chronic watering. Ectropion, for example, prevents the lower lid from properly contacting the eye, impairing tear drainage and causing dryness that triggers reflex tearing. Corneal issues, including abrasions or the presence of a foreign body, can also cause significant pain, light sensitivity, and persistent tearing as the eye attempts to flush out the irritant or heal the injury. Certain medications may also list dry eyes or increased tearing as a side effect.
When to Consult a Professional
Seek medical advice if watery eyes become persistent or worsen. If tearing is accompanied by symptoms like pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, a professional evaluation is recommended. These signs can suggest an infection or a more serious eye condition.
Any changes in vision, including blurriness or increased sensitivity to light, alongside watery eyes, warrant immediate medical attention. If the excessive tearing significantly interferes with daily activities or sleep quality, a doctor can help identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment. Individuals with a history of chronic eye conditions or other illnesses that might be linked to tear production should also consult their healthcare provider if new or worsening watery eye symptoms appear.
Relief Strategies
Adjusting your immediate environment can often alleviate watery eyes. Regularly cleaning bedding, using allergen-proof covers, and maintaining appropriate humidity levels with a humidifier can reduce exposure to irritants like dust mites and dry air. Avoiding strong scents or other known irritants in the bedroom environment can also help.
Practicing good eye care habits is beneficial. Gentle eyelid hygiene, such as cleaning the eyelids, can help manage conditions like blepharitis. Applying warm compresses can soothe irritation and assist with blocked tear ducts or meibomian gland function. Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide lubrication for dry eyes, which, as noted, can paradoxically lead to excessive tearing. Avoiding excessive eye rubbing and ensuring contact lenses are properly cleaned and not worn for too long can also prevent irritation.
Experimenting with different sleeping positions might reduce pressure on tear ducts or minimize eye exposure to irritants. If allergies are suspected, over-the-counter allergy eye drops or oral antihistamines can help manage symptoms by reducing the body’s allergic response. Staying adequately hydrated throughout the day also contributes to overall eye health and tear film quality.