Ever notice your eyes watering right after applying mascara? It's a common frustration, but with these expert-backed strategies, you can stop it—and prevent it altogether.
It may sound counterintuitive, but dry eyes are the leading cause of watery eyes, known as reactive tearing. Your eyes fail to produce enough tear fluid or it's of poor quality, prompting excess watering to compensate.
Dryness often worsens with age, but simple remedies help. Place a bowl of water near the heater to humidify indoor air. Or drape a damp towel over your eyes for about five minutes. Consciously blink more often to stimulate your lacrimal glands.
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External irritants like dirt from chores, a fly while biking, or windblown sand often cause watering. Rinsing usually resolves it quickly.
Gently flush with cooled boiled water. For urgent cases, like chemicals, use lukewarm water. Alternatives: Remove particles with clean fingers and gauze (avoid rubbing). Or grasp upper lashes with thumb and index finger, pulling the lid over the lower one to flush naturally.
Blinking releases protective fatty fluid from your lacrimal gland, coating the eye to shield it and maintain moisture, preventing tears. Healthy eyes blink 20 times a minute; computer users manage only 5. See our tips for tired eyes.
Focus on light blinks using just the lids, like a butterfly's wings. Try this: Close eyes for seconds and relax. Blink gently 6 times. Close briefly again. Repeat 3 times to heighten awareness.
Bright sunlight, cold, or wind triggers protective tears. Sunglasses block these irritants effectively—even in winter—to keep eyes comfortable and tear-free.
