Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Watery eyes

Watery eyes occur when the eye produces extra tears or tears do not drain properly through the tear passages to the nose. Irritation or a dry eye surface is often the cause; sometimes the tear drainage system is blocked. Pain, light sensitivity or reduced vision needs prompt assessment.

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Watery eyes occur when the eye produces extra tears or tears do not drain properly through the tear passages to the nose. Irritation or a dry eye surface is often the cause; sometimes the tear drainage system is blocked. Pain, light sensitivity or reduced vision needs prompt assessment.

  • Watery tears pooling in one or both eyes or running down the cheek.
  • A burning, gritty or tired feeling that suggests a dry or irritated eye surface.
  • Do not rub the eye, and wash your hands before touching eyelids or contact lenses.
  • Protect your eyes from wind, bright sunlight, dust and smoke with close-fitting glasses.
  • Make an appointment if watering persists, repeatedly affects one eye or interferes with daily functioning.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Blocked tear ductWith a blocked tear duct, tears cannot drain properly from the eye to the nose. This causes a persistently watery or sticky eye and sometimes infection of the tear sac. In babies, congenital narrowing often opens on its own; in adults, the cause needs investigation. Painful redness beside the nose, fever or reduced vision needs prompt assessment.
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EpiscleritisEpiscleritis is usually mild inflammation of the thin tissue between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye. It often causes a sudden local red patch, irritation and mild tenderness without reduced vision. A red eye with severe deep pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, contact-lens use or injury needs prompt assessment because a more serious cause may be present.
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Sticky eyes in babiesSticky or watery eyes in a baby are often caused by a tear duct that is still narrow or blocked, especially if the white of the eye is not red. Redness, swollen eyelids, a lot of pus, fever or signs of illness may indicate an infection. A red eye or pus from the eye in a newborn always needs prompt medical assessment.