Treatment for Watery Eyes After Cataract Surgery
If you've recently had cataract surgery and noticed your eyes have started watering more than usual, you're not alone. Many people experience this after their operation. In most cases, it's not a sign that anything has gone wrong, but it can be uncomfortable and sometimes confusing. This guide will help you understand why your eyes might be watery, whether it needs treatment, and what you can do about it.
For those who are seeking cataract surgery in Cheshire or looking for more information about the procedure, why not book a free video appointment with Mr Dan Nguyen today? You can also take an online suitability self-test today.
We're here to help you feel more informed and more comfortable during your recovery, whether you want to learn about exercising safely during the recovery period or whether it’s okay to wear glasses after cataract surgery in one eye.
Let's take a closer look now at one of the most common symptoms: watery eyes.
Why are your eyes watery after cataract surgery?
Is it normal for eyes to water after surgery?
Yes, it’s quite normal. After cataract surgery, your eyes are healing. As part of that healing process, you might notice your eyes feel a bit gritty, irritated, or sensitive. Your body reacts to this by producing more tears to protect and soothe the eye. So a little extra watering can actually be a sign that your eye is trying to heal itself.
What causes watery eyes after cataract surgery?
There are several reasons why your eyes might water after cataract surgery:
- Irritation or inflammation. Surgery, even though it’s quick and usually painless, can irritate the surface of your eye. This can cause your tear glands to work overtime.
- Changes in tear drainage. The procedure might temporarily affect how well your tears drain through your tear ducts, causing them to build up.
- Dry eyes (paradoxical watering). This might sound strange, but dry eyes often cause more tears, not fewer. If the surface of your eye is dry, your body may try to fix it by flooding the eye with extra tears. These are often poor-quality tears that don’t stay on the surface for long.
- Eye drops after surgery. You’ll likely be using drops to prevent infection and inflammation. These can sometimes irritate the eye or cause mild allergies, both of which lead to watering.
- Blocked tear ducts. In rarer cases, if your tear drainage system is blocked, tears have nowhere to go and spill out of your eye.
- Environmental factors. Wind, cold weather, air conditioning, or bright lights can all make your eyes water more after surgery.
How long do watery eyes last after cataract surgery?
What is the typical recovery timeline for watery eyes?
Watery eyes often show up in the first few days after your surgery. For most people, the tearing settles down within a week or two as the eye heals and gets used to the new lens. Some people might find it lasts a little longer, especially if they also have dry eyes.
When does watery eye become a longer-term issue?
If your eyes are still watering a lot after three to four weeks, it’s worth speaking to your eye specialist. While it’s usually nothing to worry about, ongoing tearing could be a sign of another issue, like dry eye syndrome, a blocked tear duct, or sensitivity to one of your eye drops.
When should you be concerned about watery eyes?
Signs your watery eyes might need medical attention:
Most of the time, watery eyes after surgery are just a normal part of recovery. But sometimes, they can be a sign that something else is going on. Watch out for:
- Redness that’s getting worse
- Pain or a gritty feeling that doesn’t improve
- Blurred vision
- Swelling around the eye
- Sticky discharge or crusting
- Light sensitivity that’s increasing
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your eye specialist. They can have a closer look and make sure there’s no infection or other problem.
Is watery eye after cataract surgery dangerous?
Usually, no. In most cases, watery eyes aren’t dangerous at all. But if your tearing is paired with other symptoms like pain, redness, or changes in your vision, it could point to something more serious. For example, a rare infection after surgery called endophthalmitis can be sight-threatening. This is why it’s always best to ask your specialist if you’re unsure.
Can you treat watery eyes at home?
As watery eyes are not necessarily a sign of something more dangerous, here are some easy ways to manage this side effect at home:
- Use lubricating eye drops – Choose preservative-free artificial tears to soothe your eyes and balance moisture. These are often available over the counter.
- Apply a warm compress – Gently placing a warm, clean cloth over your closed eyes can help if your tear ducts are a bit blocked.
- Avoid wind or strong breezes – When outdoors, wear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from drying out or getting irritated.
- Don’t rub your eyes – Even if they feel itchy or irritated, avoid rubbing, as this can worsen inflammation or disturb healing.
- Clean your eyelids gently – Using a clean cloth or eyelid wipe, you can gently remove any crusts or discharge. This is particularly helpful if you have mild blepharitis.
Which home remedies should you avoid?
Some home remedies aren’t safe, especially while your eyes are still healing.
First of all, make sure you avoid washing your eyes out with tap water. Tap water can carry bacteria that could cause infection. Even if you think it would reduce your irritation, it can be very dangerous.
Similarly, don’t use non-sterile compresses when treating yourself at home. Always use a clean cloth or sterile wipes when cleaning around the affected area. These should specifically say that they can be used for this purpose.
Some herbal treatments that may be recommended for watery eyes online are not tested for safety after eye surgery and therefore are not safe.
Never stop prescribed drops without advice. If you think your drops are causing watery eyes, speak to your specialist before stopping them.
Should you contact your eye surgeon or GP?
When it’s okay to wait and monitor:
It’s fine to wait and monitor if:
- Your eyes are just watering without any pain, redness, or discharge.
- The watering happens only now and then.
- It’s been less than two weeks since your surgery.
When you should call your eye specialist:
You should seek help if:
- Your symptoms last more than two to three weeks.
- The watering gets worse.
- You feel pain or see redness.
- Your vision gets blurry.
- You think you’re reacting to prescribed eye drops.
Your eye surgeon will want to make sure your recovery is on track and can recommend the best next steps.
How do eye specialists treat watery eyes after cataract surgery?
Assessment and diagnosis
At your follow-up appointment, your ophthalmologist will check the surface of your eye for dryness or irritation, examine your tear ducts, and if appropriate, ask how you’re using your post-op eye drops.
You might also be assessed for allergic reactions or undergo a quick test to check how your tears are draining.
Common treatment options
Depending on the cause, they might:
- Switch your drops to something milder
- Add lubricating drops to help with dry eyes
- Prescribe a short course of anti-inflammatory drops
- Show you how to clean your eyelids if blepharitis is involved
- Refer you for tear duct flushing if needed
- Offer YAG laser capsulotomy later on if posterior capsule opacification is present
What if watery eyes don’t go away?
Could it be a blocked tear duct or something else?
Sometimes, the reason your eyes keep watering is because your tear ducts are partially blocked. This can happen with age or due to inflammation after surgery. Your specialist may suggest flushing the ducts or doing imaging tests if the problem continues.
What if it’s not related to surgery at all?
It’s also possible that your watery eyes are caused by something unrelated, such as:
- Seasonal allergies
- Environmental irritants
- Chronic dry eye
- Age-related tear duct changes
If the timing of your symptoms doesn’t match your surgery, or if they started much later, your eye surgeon can help you explore other possible causes.
Frequently asked questions about watery eyes after cataract surgery
Can watery eyes mean the surgery went wrong?
It’s very unlikely. Watery eyes are a common and usually mild side effect of healing. They do not mean your cataract surgery failed.
Will it affect the outcome of my cataract surgery?
No. In most cases, watering doesn’t affect your visual outcome. Your vision may still improve steadily once healing is complete.
Can I still use my post-op drops if my eyes are watering a lot?
Yes, continue using your drops unless told otherwise. If you think they’re causing problems, your eye specialist can recommend an alternative.
Is this part of dry eye syndrome?
Often, yes. Post-surgery dryness can trigger excessive tearing. Treating dry eye can help reduce the watering.
Can I go outside if my eyes are still watery?
Yes, but take care. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and bright sunlight, which can worsen watering.
Final thoughts
Watery eyes after cataract surgery are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them. In most cases, the symptoms go away on their own or with simple treatments like lubricating drops or a change in your prescription eye drops. But if things don’t improve, it’s important to speak up. You deserve to feel comfortable while you heal and to enjoy your new, clearer vision.
If you’re unsure about your symptoms, Dan Nguyen and his team are here to help. From diagnosing the cause of your watery eyes to offering tailored treatment options, we focus on restoring and protecting the clarity of your vision every step of the way.
You can book a free video consultation to discuss your symptoms or take our quick suitability self-test to see what’s right for you. Whatever your journey, we’re with you.
Here’s to clearer, more comfortable vision ahead.
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Mr Dan Nguyen
MBChB MBA FRCOphth FRANZCO
Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hello, I’m Dan Nguyen!
I‘m your guide to better vision. In times when long waiting lists and unclear options are the norm, it’s easy to feel stuck and worried about your eye health. Don’t let that hold you back. I’m here to show you that you can skip the endless queues and make real progress. Remember, you’re unique, not just another name on a list. Every patient I see receives top-notch care, tailored to their specific needs and lifestyle. Once you’ve had your treatment, you’ll be able to embrace a life that’s vivid, colourful, and just the way you like it. So what are you waiting for? Stop waiting and start living!
