*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

This Week - W : Watering Eyes

Watering eyes are common and often get better on their own, but treatment may be needed if the watering affects your daily activities.

Causes of watering eyes

It's normal for your eyes to water in smoky environments or if you're outside in the cold or wind.

An eye injury or something in your eye, such as an eyelash or a piece of grit, can also make your eyes water.

Other causes of watering eyes include:

Babies sometimes have watering eyes because their tear ducts have not fully developed. It usually gets better by the time they're a few weeks old.

If you have watering eyes, you can ask a pharmacist about:

what you can do to treat it yourself - such as cleaning and protecting your eyes
what you can buy to help - such as cleaning solutions, eyedrops or allergy medicines
if you need to see an optician or GP

your eyes keep watering and it's stopping you doing everyday activities
your eyelid is turning inwards or drooping away from your eye
you have any lumps or swellings around your eyes that have not got better with treatment from a pharmacist

Treatment may not be needed if your watering eyes are not causing problems.

If treatment is needed, it will depend on what the cause is.

For example:

eye drops, gels, ointments or sprays can help if your eyes are dry
antibiotic eye drops can help if you have an eye infection
medicines can help if you have an allergy
anything in your eye, like a piece of grit, can be removed
a small operation may be needed if you have a problem with your eyelids or you have blocked tear ducts

If the GP cannot find what's causing your eyes to water, they may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for tests.

We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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