“What is causing eye watering in my son?”

Since there are many causes of watery eyes, I would recommend your son visit an eye care professional to determine the cause of his constant watery eyes. The watery eyes could be a sign that the eyes are irritated because they are dry. Although at first this seems counter-intuitive, but if you think about it logically, it makes sense that if sand or dirt were thrown at your eyes, then your eyes would immediately produce defensive tears to protect itself. Treatment for dry eyes is dependent upon the type of dry eye that patient has, so it can be as simple as using artificial tears, but can also involve a more extensive dry eye treatment regimen where the patient is prescribed medication. Watery eyes could also be due to the eye’s poor drainage system where it’s blocked and the eyes become watery. There could also be a foreign body or allergen (allergy -related) that is causing the watery eyes that needs to be removed/treated.

Most likely are allergies.

There are many things that can cause tearing, and the cause is best determined by a medical eye exam. Tearing is usually broken into reflex tearing due to some type of irritation or lid or surface problem, or to blockage of part of the drainage system. How old is your son? If he's very young he may have an underdeveloped or blocked tear system. If this is more recent then allergies, lid problems, or eye surface issues may be causing reflex tearing. Best to see an ophthalmologist (an eye MD) to figure this out.

Usually, this represents an allergic eye condition. You may try Zaditor allergy drops twice a day for 2 weeks. They usually kick in after day 3 and are very good at prevention and safe for year round use. They are now over the counter, but were prescription only up until just a few years ago. They are that safe and effective. If no better after two weeks, you should see an ophthalmologist for possible tear duct probing.

John S. Jarstad, M.D., F.A.A.O.

Tear duct stenosis or obstruction is the main reason for tearing in kids. Trear duct intubation is the best way to treat him

This requires an eye exam by an ophthalmologist. He may be a mouth breather from enlarged adenoids, and need retaine artificial tears several times a day.
If tearing is preceded by itching, then more likely it’s from allergies in which case an anti allergy topical treatment regimen would help.

If this is a baby less than 1 year old, most commonly this is a blocked tear duct and you need to massage at the corner of the eye near the nasal bridge 2-3 times a day or apply warm compresses. If the child is greater than 2 this is usually a sign of allergies and visine allergy drops can be used. Also zyrtec or claritin otc can help. If he has not had a vision check this would be helpful. Some children can scratch their eyes and cause them to water

He needs an eye check by an ophthalmologist. Local eye disorders are blocked tear ducts or infections are causes.