Does MS Cause Watery Eyes or Dry Eyes? Eye Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis

Medically reviewed by Federica Polidoro, M.D. – Written by Imee Williams – MyMSTeam.com
Updated on July 16, 2025

Key Takeaways

• Eye problems like optic neuritis, double vision, and involuntary eye movements are common early signs of multiple sclerosis.

Many people experience eye problems as one of the early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS). The most common eye problems associated with MS are optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), diplopia (double vision), and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements). Other people may experience droopy eyelids or a electric-jolt sensations when they move their eyes. These are all often associated with changes in your vision.

Although watery and dry eyes aren’t among the most well-known symptoms of MS, that doesn’t mean they’re unrelated. In fact, several MyMSTeam members have shared experiences with eye irritation and discomfort. “I woke up Sunday morning with red, sensitive, watery eyes and a slight headache,” one member shared.

Another said, “Right now the last two days have been miserable with the burning, watery eye.”

Regarding dry eyes, one member shared, “I’m doing good but my eyes have been very dry, itchy, and sensitive.”

Dry eyes can interfere with daily life in significant ways. One member shared that their eyes had become so dry, they could no longer wear contacts. “I’m wearing glasses full time now!” they wrote.

If you’re experiencing dry eyes or watery eyes and wondering if they’re connected to MS, here’s what you need to know.

Are Dry Eyes a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis? What About Watery Eyes?

Dry eyes and watery eyes aren’t directly symptoms of MS, but they could be indirect symptoms. There are several ways that MS could cause dry or watery eyes. A small study from Turkey found that dry eyes may be significantly more common in people with MS than would be expected by chance.

How MS Could Be Connected to Dry Eyes

While multiple sclerosis hasn’t been connected directly to either dry or watery eyes, nerve damage from MS can affect the body in complicated ways. When you live with MS, your body’s immune system attacks the outer layer of your nerves, called the myelin sheath. This can make it hard for those nerves to communicate with your brain. This can lead to damaged nerves, which might affect your eye health.

Cornea Changes

MS can cause changes to part of the eye called the cornea. These changes could lead to dry eyes because you might not be able to produce as many tears as your eyes need.

Issues With Eyelids

MS can also lead to problems controlling your eyelids. If you can’t fully close your eyes, you may not be able to blink effectively, which can also cause your eyes to dry out.

Changes in Tear Production

Finally, MS can cause problems in the glands that produce tears. If the nerves that help control these glands are affected, your body may have problems with tear production.

How MS Could Be Connected to Watery Eyes

Watery eyes, on the other hand, may happen as a result of dry eyes from MS. Sometimes, when your eyes are dry, your body is able to recognize it. As a result, it can produce too many tears instead of too few, leading to leaky, watery eyes.

Conditions Related to MS and Dry or Watery Eyes

There are other conditions that can manifest more often in patients with MS and be responsible for dry eyes, with watery eyes possibly resulting from the dryness as mentioned above.

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