Windy conditions often lead to watery eyes. This is a common reaction to the irritation caused by air hitting the surface of the eye. The simplest and most effective solution is to create a barrier between your eyes and the wind.
The Best Solution: Protective Eyewear
Wearing windproof glasses or sunglasses is the most effective way to prevent your eyes from watering in the wind. This creates a shield, protecting your eyes from the direct impact of the wind and reducing irritation. Many sources recommend this approach, including those cited below. Several types of eyewear can provide this protection:
- Wrap-around sunglasses: These offer comprehensive coverage, shielding your eyes from wind coming from all directions.
- Windproof glasses: Specifically designed to block wind, these are particularly useful for outdoor activities.
- Safety glasses: These provide good protection and are often readily available and affordable.
(Reference: Multiple sources including https://www.eyewear-accessories.co.uk/blogs/dry-eye-blog/82888577-why-do-your-eyes-water-when-it-is-cold-and-windy, https://www.eyewear-accessories.co.uk/blogs/dry-eye-blog/30445953-how-can-i-stop-my-eyes-watering-in-cold-and-windy-weather, https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/eye/how-to-stop-eyes-from-watering, https://yorkmillseyecare.com/why-do-my-eyes-water-in-cold-weather/, and https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/2n1lns/how_can_i_stop_my_eyes_from_watering_a_lot_when/)
Remember that while watery eyes in windy conditions are often a normal response, persistent or excessive watering warrants a visit to an ophthalmologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions. (Reference: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/watering-eyes/, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/169397, https://www.healthline.com/health/watery-eyes)
