5 min readNew DelhiOct 23, 2024 02:00 PM IST
First published on: Oct 23, 2024 at 02:00 PM IST
Art patron and philanthropist Shalini Passi recently opened up about a common but often overlooked problem — her eyes start watering whenever she’s out in the sun.
In an episode of Netflix’s Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, all seven women starring in the show gather for a luxurious dinner by the ocean in Mauritius, hosted by Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. The conversation quickly turns playful as they express their surprise at Shalini Passi joining them for dinner. “You don’t do lunches, so at least you dine,” Riddhima says, teasing Shalini for skipping social gatherings often.
This wasn’t the first time Shalini’s aversion to going out with the others had come up. In a previous episode, as the women strolled through Delhi’s Sunder Nursery, they mentioned her absence, stating that Shalini “can’t go out in the sun,” leading to questions from Maheep Kapoor about her Vitamin D intake. “But how does she get her Vitamin D? It’s a very serious question,” she asks.
Shalini later explained during their dinner that her “eyes start watering” when exposed to sunlight, causing her discomfort. This reaction has affected not only her ability to participate in outdoor activities but also her overall sense of ease during the day. While it might seem unusual, her condition highlights a sensitivity to the sun that many might overlook.
What causes watery eyes in sunlight?
Lalita Arya, vice-president, Derma Puritys Aesthetic Clinic, says that tearing of the eyes, also called epiphora, can develop as a response due to exposure to sunlight. This is because bright light can cause overstimulation of the nerves found within the eye, leading to overstimulation of the lacrimal glands. “Reflex tearing is essential to the body as it helps to shield any risks posed to the eyes by UV light or excessive bright light. But on the contrary, the same can be a symptom of other underlying conditions such as dry eye syndrome and allergy or in case there is a blockage of the tear ducts,” she adds.
Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops correct the moisture in the eye surface which prevents the excessive secretion of the tears. (Source: Freepik)
Dr Monica Kapoor, a celebrity cosmetologist and director of Flawless Cosmetic Clinic and ILACAD Institute, echoes this. She says, “The most common reason is reflex tearing, where the bright light triggers an automatic response to protect the eyes by producing tears. Other reasons include dry eye syndrome, where sunlight exacerbates the dryness, causing the eyes to overproduce tears, and allergic reactions to environmental elements, which are more prominent in sunny conditions. If watering is persistent, accompanied by pain, redness, or vision changes, it could indicate a more serious issue like keratitis or conjunctivitis, and you should consult an eye specialist.”
Arya continues, “It is plausible that light sensitivity or photophobia might be responsible for Shalini Passi’s eye discomfort. It is when the eyes are stricken with excessive sensitivity towards light that courses through excessive tearing, squinting, and general discomfort. Diagnosis of this condition is possible through an eye exam where an eye specialist will test how the eye reacts in light and other conditions like migraines, dry eyes, or defective corneas.”
Factors that make certain people more prone to watery eyes in sunlight
Certain environmental factors like high UV exposure, windy conditions, and pollution can make individuals more prone to watery eyes when exposed to sunlight, explains Dr Kapoor. “Lifestyle factors such as spending prolonged hours outdoors, excessive screen time, and dry indoor environments can also exacerbate eye dryness, leading to more tearing when exposed to the sun. To mitigate these effects, individuals should wear protective eyewear, use humidifiers indoors, and take regular breaks from screens to reduce strain on the eyes.”
Best treatments or preventive measures
As a precaution against such factors, Arya says, full UV protection sunglasses should be worn, protective eye drops should be used, and exposure to harsh environments should be avoided as much as possible. Sunglasses with high UV protection are recommended as the first approach. Additionally, tear seams can be protected from the winds and dust by utilising wraparound sunglasses. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops correct the moisture in the eye surface, which prevents the excessive secretion of the tears.
“Therapies that help manage dry eye syndrome or allergy in some cases can help reduce photophobia. If it does not resolve, doctors may advise punctal plugs (to occlude the tear drainage system) and/or various anti-inflammatory and anti-lacrimation drugs. It is also recommended to cut down screen time, drink plenty of water, and use a humidifier in dry surroundings to improve the condition even further,” she recommends.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Shalini Passi is a Delhi-based socialite and art collector. (Source: Instagra,/@shalinipassi) 
Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops correct the moisture in the eye surface which prevents the excessive secretion of the tears. (Source: Freepik)
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