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What helps with watery eyes?

It's cold and flu season again! On average, adults get a cold or flu twice a year, while children get them even more frequently. In addition to the typical symptoms like fever, cough, and runny nose, many people with a cold also suffer from watery eyes.

During a cold or flu, it is crucial to ensure that the nose is not congested so that tears can drain through the nasolacrimal duct. Frequent nose blowing can introduce germs into the eyes, and combined with a fever, it can promote viral growth in the eyes, leading to uncomfortable eye inflammations. Simple and effective measures include nasal rinses with saline solution. Decongestant drops, sprays, or tablets can also help reduce nasal swelling.

If the eyes are affected during an illness, it's advisable not to wear contact lenses until the infection has healed. If experiencing eye pain or vision disturbances, consulting an ophthalmologist is recommended.

Another common cause of watery eyes is dry eye syndrome. To address this:

  • Make sure the air in the room is not too dry and ventilate frequently.

  • Drink enough water.

  • When working at the computer for long periods of time: blink consciously and relieve the strain on your eyes with the 20-20-20 rule (look at a distance of approx. 20 meters for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).

  • Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors, especially in windy conditions.

  • Ensure an adequate amount of sleep to prevent eye fatigue.

  • If using contact lenses, adhere to recommended wear times, clean lenses nightly, and replace them as directed by the manufacturer.

  • Keep your eyes moist with suitable eye drops.

Schedule an appointment with us for professional advice and regular eye exams to protect and maintain your eyes optimally. Prevention is always easier than cure! In this sense, we wish you healthy eyes with many tears of joy.