Name: Insight Vision Center Optometry
Address: 3151 Airway Ave. Ste. M3, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Telephone: (714) 486-3315
Price range: Make An Appointment

What Causes Watery Eyes?

Tears are crucial to your eye health. This special mucus lubricates and keeps the eyes hydrated. It also washes foreign objects away to protect the eyes.

Sometimes, watery eyes can occur due to an overproduction of tears by the tear ducts. In most cases, this condition gets resolved on its own. But if it doesn’t subside after a few days, eye doctors should be able to help you and figure out the cause of your condition.

Keep reading to learn about the common causes of watery eyes and when you should see a doctor.

Causes of Watery Eyes

Tear ducts produce more tears when you get emotional. As you have experienced, this production is temporary and will disappear once your emotions stabilize. Your eyes can also become watery when you laugh, yawn, sneeze or cough.

Furthermore, foreign objects can irritate your eyes. If you’ve entered a dusty or windy environment, you may temporarily suffer from watery eyes. This is because wind can cause dust to enter your eyes or cause your tears to dry faster, signaling your body to increase its tear production.

In some cases, watery eyes are due to dry eye syndrome. This condition is a result of having poor-quality tears that cannot provide your eyes with proper lubrication and nourishment. If your tears dry too quickly, your tear ducts will compensate by producing excessive tears.

Other causes of watery eyes include eye strain and colds. Conjunctivitis, ingrown eyelashes and clogged tear ducts can also lead to this problem.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If you’re wearing contact lenses and you experience watery eyes along with other symptoms, call your eye doctor immediately. Typically, watery eyes don’t last for days. So, if your eyes have been watery for an extended period, you should visit an eye doctor.

Furthermore, if your eyes became watery due to a scratch, exposure to harsh chemicals or eye injury, seek medical attention immediately. You should also go to a doctor right away if your eyes are bruised, bleeding or secreting fluids.

Insight Vision Center Optometry has decades of experience in providing quality eye care. Our services include orthokeratology, comprehensive eye exams and more. To schedule an appointment, call us at (714) 486-3315, or fill out our contact form. We serve patients in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA.

Insight Vision Center Optometry is a proud member of Vision Source, the premier network of private practice optometrists.

Our Testimonials

Real experiences from clients who’ve seen our expertise—discover what our patients have to say.

Dr. Chen and the staff are very friendly and professional and can provide patients with sincere service and advice.

Elise Fu

Insight Vision Center Optometry has truly transformed my eyecare experience over the past year. Under the expert care of Dr. Chen, Dr. Schramm, Dr. Lam, and Dr. Mai, I've received unparalleled attention and personalized service. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond the doctors to the outstanding admin and tech team who ensure a seamless and efficient visit every time.

The level of expertise, professionalism, and genuine care exhibited by the entire staff sets Insight Vision Center Optometry apart. From thorough examinations to comprehensive explanations of my eye health, they have created an atmosphere of trust and confidence. It's not just about eye care; it's about an extraordinary commitment to the well-being of their patients.

I wholeheartedly recommend Insight Vision Center Optometry to everyone seeking top-notch optometric services. It's more than an eye clinic; it's a place where your vision is valued, and your experience is exceptional. This team has undoubtedly set the standard for excellence in eyecare.

Nathaniel Choi

Dr. Mai and the entire personnel are amazing! Extremely polite, kind and professional. In addition, I can now see 20/20!!! Thank you, thank you all

Franchezka 777

Dr. Schramm is stellar. He really cares about his patients. Great staff. Scleral lenses are life changing.

Kevin W

My first eye exam in fifteen years. I am so thankful that I found Insight Vision Center. Dr. Lam and staff made me feel like a welcome guest. My eye exam revealed very minor blurriness and Dr. Lam did not pressure me into purchasing eyewear for a condition not necessitating glasses… yet. Maybe next year? I am getting older. They took my VSP insurance. Yay!

Scott H.

Dr. Lam and staff are amazing. Every phone call or interaction is friendly. You can feel the smiles and joy over whatever mode of communication you are interacting with them. Dr. Lam is very knowledgeable and helps you to better understand everything that is going on with your eyes. She made me aware of potential problems I may have with my eyes and walked me through every step of the process. She helped me understand the various factors that could be causing my vision to be a little impaired and followed up with me as I had to see an ophthalmologist. Great team, great office.

Virgilio S.