Home Remedies To Prevent Watery Eyes

Updated on - 02 Feb 2026

Watery eyes can be more than just a minor annoyance; they can make reading, working or even going outdoors uncomfortable. Whether triggered by dust, allergies or unknown causes, constant tearing can disrupt your daily routine and affect your quality of life. The good news is that many cases can be managed naturally at home.

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of watery eyes, simple remedies you can try and when it’s important to seek medical care.

Causes of Watery Eyes

Watery eyes happen when your tear glands produce more tears than needed or when tears cannot drain properly. While tears keep the eyes moist and clean, excess tearing can cause soreness or blurry vision.

Common causes include allergies to dust, pollen, smoke or animal fur; dry eyes, which trigger overproduction of watery tears; eye strain from prolonged screen use; infections like conjunctivitis that cause redness, swelling and discharge; blocked tear ducts, common in both babies and adults; environmental factors such as wind, cold or bright sunlight; and irritation from contact lenses or expired eye makeup.

How to Stop Watery Eyes?

Watery eyes can not only be irritating and painful, but they also disrupt your everyday routine. You can avoid this condition by staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet that offers natural hydration to the body and maintaining overall hygiene.

If you still get a case of watery eyes due to external factors such as pollution, there are some simple and easy home remedies that you can use to soothe your eyes.

6 Home remedies to stop eyes from watering

Here are 6 best home remedies that can provide instant relief from watery eyes:

1. Remedy 1: Warm compress

• Placing warm compresses over your closed eyes can provide immediate relief by soothing irritation and unclogging blocked tear ducts.
• The warmth encourages the flow of tears, helping to alleviate watery eyes.
• To make a warm compress at home, soak a clean cloth in lukewarm water, wring it out properly and place it gently over your eyes for about 10 to 15 minutes.

1. Remedy 2: Cucumbers

• The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of cucumbers can work wonders for watery eyes.
• Cut small cucumber slices and place them over your closed eyes for about 10 minutes.
• The natural antioxidants in cucumbers help reduce puffiness and inflammation, offering a refreshing and soothing effect.

1. Remedy 3: Tea bags

• Tea bags containing chamomile or green tea can be your allies in combating watery eyes.
• After steeping the tea bags in boiling water, allow them to cool and place them on your closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of tea can help soothe irritation, reduce redness and minimise excessive tear production.

1. Remedy 4: Rosewater

• Rose water, renowned for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, can be a simple yet effective remedy for water eyes.
• Place a few drops of pure rose water on a clean and soft cotton pad; now, gently rub it on your closed eyes.
• This can reduce redness, soothe irritation and provide relief.

1. Remedy 5: Cold milk

• Cold milk can work wonders for reducing inflammation and soothing watery eyes.
• Dip cotton pads in cold milk and place them over your eyes for about 15 minutes.
• The cold temperature and proteins in milk can help alleviate irritation and promote comfort.

1. Remedy 6: Use a humidifier

• If dry air is causing watery eyes, using a humidifier in your living space can be incredibly beneficial.
• A humidifier helps maintain an optimal level of humidity, preventing dry eyes that can lead to excessive tear production.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Watery Eyes Naturally

In addition to home remedies, small lifestyle changes can help prevent watery and irritated eyes. Maintain eye hygiene by gently cleansing your face and eyelids daily, especially in dusty areas and always remove makeup before sleeping. Blink often while using computers or phones to keep your eyes lubricated.

Stay hydrated throughout the day to avoid dry eyes and reflex tearing. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, including foods like carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, fish, nuts and fruits.

Use a humidifier if your indoor air is dry to maintain eye comfort. Protect your eyes outdoors with sunglasses to shield them from wind, sunlight and pollution.

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, as they can irritate the eyes. Finally, ensure 7-8 hours of sleep each night to rest your eyes and keep them healthy.

Medical Treatments for Persistent Watery Eyes

If watery eyes persist despite home remedies, it’s important to visit an eye specialist, as the condition may be caused by infections, blocked tear ducts or other eye problems requiring proper treatment. Common medical treatments include eye drops, which may be lubricating or anti-allergic to reduce dryness, irritation and inflammation. If an infection is present, antibiotic or antiviral drops or ointments may be prescribed.

Doctors may also recommend gently massaging the tear ducts to relieve blockages, particularly in infants. In cases of complete obstruction, minor surgery may be needed to clear the tear ducts. Eyelid disorders, such as drooping or inward turning, may require surgical correction or specific eye exercises.

Importance of Eye Health Insurance Coverage

Eye problems can be costly to treat, especially if they require advanced care or surgery. Having health insurance policy with eye care coverage helps reduce the financial burden. With the right plan, you can manage expenses for regular eye check-ups, prescription glasses or lenses, cataract or tear duct surgeries and medications for infections or allergies.

Even though watery eyes are usually minor, having insurance that covers eye health is wise for long-term protection. A family health insurance policy can provide added security, ensuring all members are covered against unforeseen eye-related medical expenses.

Conclusion

Watery eyes can disrupt daily life, from making it uncomfortable to read or work to affecting your overall comfort. While simple home remedies like warm compresses, cucumber slices and rose water can provide relief, persistent or painful symptoms should never be ignored; seeing an eye specialist ensures the right treatment.

At the same time, preparing for unexpected health issues with individual health insurance provides peace of mind. Fill out the form on this page today to get expert advice and safeguard your eye health and overall well-being.

FAQs

1. Can watery eyes be caused by dry eyes?

Yes, when eyes are too dry, they make extra watery tears as a defence mechanism that may spill over.

2. Is rose water safe to be used in the eyes?

Only pure, chemical-free rose water can be safely utilised. Avoid commercial products that contain preservatives.

3. When should I see a doctor for watery eyes?

If your eyes are constantly watering for longer than a week, or if there is pain, swelling or discharge, you should see an eye specialist.

4. Are home remedies safe for children?

Mild treatments like warm compress or clean cotton with cool water may be safe, but again, it is always best to consult a doctor before using any substance in a child's eyes.

5. How can I avoid having watery eyes when using a phone or computer?

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: keep your screen at eye level, take frequent breaks and blink often to keep your eyes moist.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.