Watery Eyes

Have you ever wondered why your eyes water when you have a cold? It's a common and annoying symptom that can make you feel miserable. But there's actually a scientific explanation behind it. In this blog post, I'll tell you why your eyes water when you have a cold and what you can do to relieve it.

Tears are not just for crying. They are constantly produced by the tear glands in your eyes to keep them moist and healthy. Tears also help you see clearly by washing away dust and dirt from the surface of your eyes. Normally, the excess tears drain out through small openings in the inner corners of your eyelids and into your nose through a tube called the nasolacrimal duct.

But when you have a cold, things change. Your nose becomes congested and inflamed due to the viral infection. This causes the nasolacrimal duct to swell up and block the flow of tears from your eyes to your nose. As a result, the tears have nowhere to go, and they start to overflow from your eyes. This is why your eyes water when you have a cold.


But that's not all. When you have a cold, your eyes may also become irritated and inflamed due to the virus or the allergens that trigger your immune system. This causes your tear glands to produce more tears than usual to try to flush out the irritants and protect your eyes from infection. This adds to the problem of watery eyes when you have a cold.

Tear system: a. tear gland / lacrimal gland, b. superior lacrimal punctum, c. superior lacrimal canal, d. tear sac / lacrimal sac, e. inferior lacrimal punctum, f. inferior lacrimal canal, g. nasolacrimal canal


So, what can you do to stop your eyes from watering when you have a cold? Here are some tips:

  • Use a warm compress on your eyes to soothe them and reduce the inflammation.
  • Use artificial tears or eye drops to lubricate your eyes and prevent them from drying out.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes as this can worsen the irritation and spread the infection.
  • Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes with dirty fingers.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated to thin out the mucus in your nose and help it drain better.
  • Use a nasal spray or decongestant to clear up your nose and relieve the pressure on your nasolacrimal duct.
  • Consult your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop signs of an eye infection such as redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision.

I hope this blog post has helped you understand why your eyes water when you have a cold and what you can do about it. Remember, watery eyes are usually a temporary and harmless symptom that will go away once your cold is over. But if you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to see your doctor or an eye specialist. Stay healthy and take care of your eyes!

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

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