The first question and really the most important one is: Are the eyes watering because they are irritated by something, or are they watering because the drainage system is plugged?

Clues to the answer are how the eyes feel and look. Are they irritated and red? You will probably know it if they are. Conjunctivitis is the most common reason for the white portion of the eye turning red.

The conjunctivitis might be caused a viral or bacterial infection (often referred to as pink eye). Allergies are another common cause of irritated and red eyes.

Conjunctivitis often causes the eyes to get watery. But usually the degree of "watering" is modest.

Do you have a flood of tears, more than you can handle? This could be caused by a blocked tear duct. The tear duct drains our normal constant production of tears. The tear duct begins at a small opening in the corner of the eye and runs to the back of the nose and throat.

If you have a blocked tear duct, the flood of tears will run down your cheek. Usually only one eye is affected. The eyes should not be red from a blocked tear duct.

As strange as it may sound, dry eyes can also be watery. Tears are a mixture of oil, mucous and water. Dry eyes will water if there is not enough oil or mucous in the mixture.

You should see your doctor before just buying eye drops. If the problem is dry eyes, an eye lubricant will help. You may have to dry different brands (and generics are fine). There is no one "best" eye drop. You may have to try a few brands to find the one that works best for you.