Eyes itchy and watery: what should you know?

Tears help wash irritants from the eye, so watering can follow dust, smoke, wind, dry air or a cosmetic product. Allergic conjunctivitis often causes both itching and watering, sometimes with redness and puffy lids. Allergic rhinitis, pet allergy and house dust mite allergy may produce a similar pattern alongside nasal symptoms. A blocked tear duct, eyelid problem or infection can also cause watering, particularly when one eye is affected or discharge becomes sticky.

Wash your hands, gently clean tears from the eyelids, and use a cool compress. Avoid rubbing and pause eye makeup and contact lenses. Reduce exposure to smoke, dust and known allergens; wash bedding regularly if dust is a trigger. Keep windows closed when outdoor irritants are high. Ask a pharmacist about allergy medication or lubricating drops, especially if you take other medicines or have an eye condition.

Seek urgent care if watering comes with severe pain, vision change, a chemical splash, eye injury, marked swelling or difficulty breathing. Arrange a clinical assessment for persistent one-sided watering, significant redness, light sensitivity, pus-like discharge, fever, or a sensation of something embedded. Contact lens wearers should seek advice promptly when redness or pain accompanies watering.

Ask what is causing the watering, whether allergy treatment or lubricants are appropriate, and how to protect the eye surface. Mention whether symptoms affect one or both eyes, what triggers them, the colour and thickness of discharge, contact lens use and any vision change.