Is a watery eye normal after tube shunt surgery?

What's normal

Tearing after a tube shunt is a reflex response to surface irritation. The conjunctiva has been opened and closed with stitches, a patch graft sits under it, and EyeWiki describes a topical antibiotic and steroid given four times daily and continued for 4 to 6 weeks. All of that irritates the surface and triggers watering, which is usually worse in wind, bright light, and air conditioning.

Usually heaviest in the first 1 to 2 weeks and settling as surface stitches dissolve over about 4 to 6 weeks.

When it stops being normal

Watering with pain, a red eye, or discharge is a different situation. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says to call immediately if your eye is red, painful, or just does not feel right after a drainage implant, because it could be infection that must be treated right away.

Thick, colored, or sticky discharge is not tearing and needs a same day call. So does a sudden change in vision along with the watering.