American ophthalmologist Michael Brusco from the Brusco Vision clinic said The main cause of watery eyes in the cold is dehydration of mucous membranes, says the Daily Mail.
The doctor explained that dry eye syndrome occurs in many people when exposed to cold weather. When you go outside in winter, cold weather causes the eye mucosa to dry out. The activity of the lacrimal apparatus for hydration also decreases. Small amounts of tear fluid act as a protective membrane for the cornea, the outer layer of the eye. Tear fluid also prevents dirt and dust from reaching the surface of the visual organs.
Evaporation of the moisturizing tear film caused by dry, cold air triggers the tear reflex, a balancing mechanism. Signals sent to the brain by the nerves behind the eye trigger the production of additional fluid. Therefore, intense lacrimation occurs.
Another cause of watery eyes in the cold may be the use of decorative cosmetics, creams and other moisturizers for the skin around the eyes. They can block the meibomian oil glands on the edges of the eyelids and cause irritation. Dr. Brusco also noted that the tear film on the surface of the eye becomes thinner in people who work in front of a computer all day. This makes the eyes more sensitive to the effects of dry, cold air.
Previous scientists developed The first model of the human conjunctiva.