Constantly watery eyes, also known as epiphora, can be an annoying and uncomfortable condition. This occurs when the eyes produce more tears than they need, leading to excess moisture that runs down the face. While occasional watery eyes are common and can be caused by temporary irritants, persistent epiphora may signal an underlying problem that needs attention. Understanding why your eyes keep watering is key to finding an effective solution.
What is Epiphora?
Epiphora is the medical term for excessive tearing. It happens when the eyes either produce too many tears or are unable to drain the tears properly through the tear ducts. Tears are essential for keeping the eyes moist, protecting them from dust General and foreign particles, and washing away any irritants. However, when this system is disrupted, it can lead to watery eyes.
Common Causes of Watery Eyes
There are several reasons why your eyes might keep watering. These causes can be broadly divided into two categories: overproduction of tears and blocked tear drainage.
- Excessive Tear Production: This happens when the eyes produce an abnormally large amount of tears. Some common triggers include:
- Allergies: Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause the eyes to produce more tears as a defensive mechanism.
- Infections: Conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye), viral infections, or eye irritations can lead to inflammation and trigger excessive tear production.
- Irritants: Exposure to smoke, strong winds, or chemicals can cause the eyes to water as a protective response.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: While this might sound counterintuitive, people with dry eye syndrome often experience watery eyes. When the eyes are dry, the body may overcompensate by producing excess tears in an attempt to hydrate the eyes.
- Impaired Tear Drainage: The tear drainage system is responsible for draining tears from the eyes into the nose. When this system is blocked or malfunctioning, tears can overflow onto the face. Some potential causes of drainage problems include:
- Blocked Tear Ducts: The tear ducts, also known as the nasolacrimal ducts, are small channels that carry tears from the eyes into the nose. When these ducts become blocked due to infection, injury, or other factors, tears cannot drain properly, leading to watery eyes.
- Aging: As we get older, the tear ducts can naturally become narrower or weaker, reducing their ability to effectively drain tears.
- Eyelid Issues: Structural problems with the eyelids, such as ectropion (when the lower eyelid turns outward) or entropion (when the eyelid turns inward), can prevent tears from properly reaching the drainage system, causing them to spill over onto the cheeks.
Other Contributing Factors
Several other conditions and factors may also contribute to epiphora:
- Sinus Problems: Sinus infections or chronic sinusitis can sometimes block the tear ducts, resulting in watery eyes.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat allergies or glaucoma, can lead to side effects like watery eyes.
- Eye Strain: Prolonged use of digital devices, reading, or other tasks that require intense focus can lead to eye fatigue, which in some cases can trigger excessive tearing.
Symptoms of Epiphora
The most obvious symptom of epiphora is persistent watery eyes. However, individuals with epiphora may also experience other symptoms, including:
- Tears running down the face: Even without exposure to irritants, tears may overflow from the eyes and run down the cheeks.
- Eye discomfort: Individuals may experience a gritty or foreign body sensation in the eyes, often accompanied by redness or irritation.
- Blurred vision: Excessive tears can blur vision, especially if they pool on the surface of the eye.
- Increased sensitivity: A heightened sensitivity to light, or photophobia, may occur in some cases of epiphora.
- Eye discharge: Infections or conditions like conjunctivitis can cause the eyes to discharge mucus or pus, often in combination with excessive tearing.
Treatment for Watery Eyes
Treating watery eyes depends on the underlying cause of the condition. A proper diagnosis from an eye care professional is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment. Some common treatments include:
- Artificial Tears: If dry eyes are contributing to excessive tearing, artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help hydrate the eyes and reduce the overproduction of tears.
- Antihistamines and Allergy Medications: If allergies are the cause, antihistamine eye drops or oral medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
- Eyelid Hygiene and Warm Compresses: If blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) is causing watery eyes, regular cleaning of the eyelids with a warm compress and eyelid scrubs can improve tear distribution and reduce irritation.
- Surgical Intervention for Blocked Tear Ducts: If a blocked tear duct is diagnosed, the condition may be treated with a procedure called dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). This surgery creates a new drainage pathway for tears to bypass the blockage.
- Punctal Plugs: In cases where the tear drainage system is overactive or too efficient, a small plug can be inserted into the tear duct to slow the drainage and allow more time for the tear film to lubricate the eye.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your eyes are persistently watering or you notice other symptoms such as discomfort, vision changes, or excessive discharge, it is essential to consult an eye care professional. They will be able to evaluate your symptoms, diagnose the underlying cause, and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
Watery eyes, or epiphora, can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from allergies and infections to blockages in the tear ducts or structural eyelid issues. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. While watery eyes can sometimes be temporary and harmless, persistent symptoms may indicate a more serious issue that requires medical attention. If you experience ongoing tearing or other related symptoms, seeking professional advice is the first step toward achieving relief and improving your eye health.