What to do about tearing in windy conditions
Nov 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, excessive tearing in the wind may be caused by factors such as hypersensitive lacrimal glands to cold air, dry eye surface, allergic conjunctivitis, narrowed or blocked tear ducts, or eyelid laxity. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medications, etc. In daily life, maintain good eye hygiene, avoid rubbing eyes with dirty hands, and reduce eye strain.
Under normal circumstances, excessive tearing when exposed to wind may be caused by factors such as heightened sensitivity of the lacrimal gland to cold wind, dry eye surface, allergic conjunctivitis, narrowed or blocked tear ducts, or eyelid laxity. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and, under a doctor's guidance, improve symptoms through general treatments, medications, or other methods. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Lacrimal gland sensitivity to cold wind: Cold wind can stimulate the lacrimal gland to reflexively produce more tears than the tear drainage system can handle, resulting in tearing. When going outdoors, wear wind-protective goggles to reduce direct exposure of the eyes to cold air, keep the eyes warm, and limit time spent outdoors in cold weather.
2. Dry eye surface: Insufficient tear production or excessive evaporation weakens the protective function of the eye surface, leading to increased irritation and tearing when exposed to wind. Apply warm compresses to the eyes 1–2 times daily for 10 minutes each time. Use lubricating eye drops such as sodium hyaluronate, polyethylene glycol, or carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops as directed by a physician.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis: After exposure to allergens such as pollen or dust mites, the conjunctiva becomes red and swollen, and wind exposure can worsen discomfort and tearing. Avoid known allergens, wear masks and protective eyewear outdoors, and use antiallergic eye drops such as levocabastine hydrochloride, olopatadine, or ketotifen as prescribed to relieve symptoms.
4. Tear duct narrowing or blockage: A narrowed or obstructed tear drainage pathway prevents normal tear outflow, causing more noticeable tearing in windy conditions. Seek medical evaluation with tear duct irrigation to identify the site of blockage. Mild cases may be treated with probing procedures to open the duct, while severe cases may require tear duct intubation surgery—inserting a tube to maintain proper drainage.
5. Eyelid laxity: Commonly seen in older adults, incomplete eyelid closure leads to increased tear evaporation, and wind exposure further aggravates tearing. Avoid rubbing the eyes to prevent worsening laxity. In severe cases, eyelid reconstruction surgery (blepharoplasty) may be performed to surgically repair loose eyelid tissue.
Maintain good eye hygiene in daily life—avoid touching the eyes with dirty hands, reduce eye strain, avoid prolonged screen time, and protect the eyes appropriately based on weather conditions. Comprehensive eye care can help improve wind-induced tearing.
