Watery Eyes

Watery eyes—also known as epiphora—can be frustrating and even socially embarrassing. Whether your eyes are constantly tearing, streaming in cold or windy weather, or watering without warning, this is not something you simply have to live with.

While many people assume watery eyes are a sign of too many tears, the reality is often more complex. In fact, excessive tearing is commonly a reaction to dryness or irritation. When the eye surface isn’t properly lubricated—due to dry eye disease, inflammation, or poor tear quality—it sends a distress signal to produce reflex tears. These watery tears may come in large amounts, but they don’t contain the essential oils or proteins that your eyes need to stay truly comfortable and protected.

Other Causes of Watery Eyes

Watery eyes can also be caused by issues unrelated to tear production, including:
  • Blocked tear ducts (nasolacrimal obstruction) – the normal drainage pathway is partially or fully blocked, causing tears to spill over
  • Poor eyelid positioning – eyelids that turn in (entropion) or out (ectropion) can prevent tears from draining properly
  • Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation – clogged oil glands can affect tear quality and drainage
  • Allergies or environmental irritants – such as wind, cold air, or bright light

How We Can Help

At Illume, we take a holistic and investigative approach to watery eyes. During your consultation, we will assess:
  • The health and function of your tear film
  • The quality and quantity of your tears
  • Your eyelid structure and blink dynamics
  • Your tear drainage function (including testing for blockages in the puncta and nasolacrimal system)

Treatment Options 

  • Dry eye management – to restore tear film stability and reduce the overproduction of reflex tears
  • Blepharitis treatment – including lid hygiene routines, heat therapy, and targeted in-clinic procedures
  • Lacrimal dilation and irrigation – a gentle in-clinic procedure to open and flush the tear ducts
  • Referral for surgical assessment – if there is a structural issue, such as a blocked nasolacrimal duct or eyelid malposition, we work closely with trusted oculoplastic specialists

For more individualised advice book an appointment with one of our optometrists.
Person applying eye drops to their eye with a close-up view.
Make an Appointment

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Find out more about this common condition

Anterior Blepharitis

Find out more about what might be irritating your eyes

Frequently asked questions about Dry Eye Treatments

Why aren't eye drops fixing my dry eye?

Lubricating eye drops can be an important part of dry eye management, but they cannot address every cause. If blocked meibomian glands, eyelid inflammation, blepharitis or ocular rosacea are contributing to your symptoms, additional treatment may be required.
What is the best treatment for dry eye?

There is no single best dry eye treatment. Dry eye is a multifactorial condition, so effective treatment depends on the underlying contributors. These may include meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation, blepharitis, ocular rosacea, reduced tear production, Demodex or a combination of factors.
Is IPL or LipiFlow better for dry eye?

Neither treatment is universally “better”.

IPL and LipiFlow work differently. IPL is often considered when inflammatory MGD or ocular rosacea is present, while LipiFlow specifically targets obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction using heat and pulsation.

Some patients may benefit from one treatment, while others may benefit from a combination. Your examination findings help us decide which approach is most appropriate.
Why are my eyes watering if I have dry eye?

Dry eye can trigger reflex tearing. If the tear film is unstable or evaporates too quickly, the eyes may respond by producing more watery tears. This can happen with meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis and other ocular surface conditions.
Can dry eye be cured permanently?

Dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction are often chronic conditions. For many people, the goal is therefore long-term control rather than a one-off cure.

With the right combination of treatment, home care and review, symptoms and tear-film health can often be significantly improved.
Can you treat blepharitis and Demodex as well as dry eye?

Yes. Blepharitis and Demodex can contribute to eyelid inflammation and dry eye symptoms. Illume offers professional eyelid assessment and a range of treatments including eyelid cleansing, blepharoexfoliation and personalised home-care strategies. Prescription or other targeted treatments may also be recommended when appropriate.
Where is Illume Eye Care's dry eye clinic?

Illume Eye Care is located in Ponsonby, Auckland, at One Jervois Building, 1 Jervois Road. We see patients from across Auckland and New Zealand for dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, ocular rosacea and other ocular surface conditions.
Do I need a referral to see Illume for dry eye?

No. You can book directly with Illume Eye Care for a dry eye or ocular surface assessment. We also welcome referrals and work collaboratively with optometrists, ophthalmologists, GPs and other health professionals when shared care is helpful.