Educational tool only. This does not provide a diagnosis. Always seek professional advice if you are concerned about your eyes.
Seek urgent medical attention if you have any of these
- Fever, feeling generally unwell, or chills alongside your eye symptoms
- Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around the eye or eyelid
- Severe pain in or around the eye
If any of the above apply, do not use this tool. Go to your nearest A&E or contact your emergency services.
Question 1 of 5
Which eye is watering?
This can help distinguish between conditions that tend to affect one eye versus both.
Question 2 of 5
Do you have any of these symptoms?
Tick all that apply. These symptoms are important to identify early.
Question 3 of 5
How long has this been happening, and does it come and go?
The pattern of symptoms is often as informative as the symptoms themselves.
Question 4 of 5
Which of these best describes what you notice?
Select the option that fits best - or the closest match.
Question 5 of 5
Which age group are you in?
Age can help contextualise some causes of watery eyes.
Your symptom pattern
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Important reminder: This explanation is based on common symptom patterns and is for educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis. Many eye conditions share similar symptoms and can only be properly assessed by a qualified clinician through a face-to-face examination. Please use this information as a starting point for a conversation with your optometrist, GP, or ophthalmologist - not as a substitute for one.
About this tool
Written by Chris Matthews, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon. For patient education only. Does not provide a diagnosis or constitute medical advice. This tool cannot examine your eyelids, tear film, cornea, or tear drainage system - only a face-to-face clinical assessment can do this. Symptom patterns are generalisations. Your symptoms may have a different cause. If symptoms persist, always seek professional advice.