I have been diagnosed with a watery eye due to chronic inflammation. it was suggested i take 5 months of oral doxycycline but i'm leary. what else?

Reasonable: It sounds like you might have chronic meibomitis/blepharitis. Long term oral doxy is very effective for this, if more conservative management like warm compresses haven't worked.

Why?: It would be interesting to find out what the reason for inflammation which is not a diagnosis. Treatment is based on diagnosis not a finding only. I am not an optalmologist but it doesn't quite sound right. I would thik inflammation of the eyewould be treated with steroid eye drops. Why not 3 or 6 month. Obtain a diagnosis or a second opinion. Five months of oral doxy will tear up your stomach.