Watery eyes can be very irritating, especially when trying to sleep. While most have had watery eyes at some point in their lives. It is essential to identify what is causing the issue.
Are you wondering, why do my eyes water when I lay down?
This article will discuss some of the common causes and treatment options for watery eyes. Also, we will see the severe symptoms for which you must consult a doctor before it is too late.
Is your right eye twitching? Find out why here.
Why Do My Eyes Water When I Lay Down?
A variety of factors can cause your eyes to water. It may include allergies, eye strain from working so long, dry eyes, lack of sleep, and high blood pressure.
Possible Causes of Watery Eyes
- Dryness
You may be experiencing watery eyes as your body may not produce enough tears, drying up too quickly.
Windy days and certain medical conditions are also responsible for these problems. Or maybe, they lack the proper balance of water, oils, and mucus. If your eyes are very dry then they will try to overcompensate and water to relieve the dryness.
- Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis causes one or both eyes to turn pink or red.
Bacterial or viral infections are the most common cause of conjunctivitis, and if the infection is just viral, no treatment is required. However, doctors may recommend some eye drops and medicine if the infection is bacterial.
- Styes
Styes are responsible for making your eye teary, along with a significant amount of swelling, redness, and painful lumps at the edge of your eyelid. These lumps are usually noticeable to a considerable extent.
Usually, a stye likely goes away on its own in a few days without treatment and ointments. Avoid touching or popping it like a pimple for speedy healing because it may spread the infection.
- Eyelid Problems
Entropion is a condition in which your eyelids and lashes tend to curve in the inward direction and touch the eyes. Other than this, they can also bend outwardly, called ectropion, which may create irritation while you blink your eyes.
Both conditions can make your eyes watery, and these conditions may require surgery.
Some More Possible Causes
- Blepharitis
Your eyelids swell, usually near the lashes, due to Blepharitis. It is also a possibility that your eyes will sting and become watery, itchy, and red along with it.
Although blepharitis is a condition that comes and goes, you should seek medical help if Blepharitis worsens.
- Blocked Tear Duct
Tears flow from the tear glands above your eye, spread across the surface of your eyeball, and drain into ducts in the corner in normal circumstances.
However, if the ducts become clogged, tears accumulate, and your eye becomes watery. Infections, injuries, and even aging can all contribute to the problem.
- Problematic Oil Glands
Meibomian glands are tiny glands on the corner of your eyes that produce oils for keeping your eyes healthy. Meibomian also prevents your eyes from drying out by forming a barrier that keeps tears where they are needed.
Your eye becomes irritated and watery if these glands become blocked and don’t produce enough oil.
Treatment Options for Watery Eyes
- Saltwater Swab
Natural methods for treating eye infections are cleaning the eyes with saline or saltwater. Saltwater helps remove pus and discharge, just like teardrops.
For this procedure, dissolve half a tablespoon of regular salt in a cup of boiling water and use a cotton ball dipped in it to wipe your eyes.
- Warm Compress
A warm compress can soothe infected, inflamed, and aching eyes. For this, soak a cloth in warm water and gently press it to your vision for 4-5 minutes to relieve eye irritation.
Do this several times throughout the day using a clean cloth and ensuring the water is not too hot.
- Teabags
Green tea bags have excellent anti-inflammatory and calming effects that can help to relieve inflammation and reduce swelling in the eyes.
Place cooled tea bags on your eyelids for the optimum results, which will help you relax and battle tension. Repeat this procedure 7-10 times a week to relieve the infection and soothe the eyes.
- Proper Rest
Excessive strain and tension in the ocular muscles are the primary cause of watery eyes. You should always ensure proper eye protection and hygiene when you are outside.
Wearing protective eyewear and minimizing your time looking at a mobile, laptop, or TV screen can help reduce eye strain.
- Using Eye Supplements
Watery eyes can sometimes be a sign of a dietary or mineral deficiency. You should incorporate specific eye vitamins in your diet to help with this.
Some beneficial supplements are omega 3, vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, and zinc. However, please do not take them without consulting your doctor about the dosage.
Bonus Tip
- Medicated Eye Drops
An optometrist or ophthalmologist will prescribe medicated eye drops or other treatment if your eyes are watering due to an underlying eye problem or disease.
However, there are several mild eye drops on the market that you may purchase from any local pharmacy.
When to see a Doctor
Watery eyes can clear up on their own with the home remedies mentioned above.
If nothing helps, you should stop all the home treatment options and rush to your doctor or ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
You can also check if the following symptoms persist before you worsen the situation.
- A slight vision loss or visual disturbances in your eyes.
- Discharge of mucus or debris from the eyes.
- Redness, irritation, and bleeding from your eye
- Swollen, painful, or sore eyes
- Bruising around the eye
- Tenderness around the nose or sinuses
- Eye problems accompanied by a severe headache
Final Thoughts
If your eyes are watering all of the time, it could be a sign of something more serious.
Contact your doctor or ophthalmologist as soon as possible to rule out any potentially dangerous causes for excessive tearing and to get relief from the unpleasant symptoms.
Experts recommend improving sleeping habits by establishing consistent sleep schedules and avoiding naps during the day to prevent eyes from watering while lying down.
Both disrupt circadian rhythms and can cause eye strain.
It’s best not to self-diagnose because there are many other possible causes. You must visit a doctor before making an accurate diagnosis.
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