Watering Eyes Treatment

There is insufficient tear film drainage from the eye or eyes. Instead of the tears draining through the nasolacrimal system, they overflow onto the face. Tears are needed to keep the front surface of the eye healthy and maintain clear vision, but too many tears can make it difficult to see. This can make driving difficult or dangerous.

Epiphora can develop at any age, but it is more common in those aged under 12 months or over 60 years. It may affect one or both eyes. Watering eye can usually be treated effectively.

Causes

The two main causes of watering eyes are blocked tear ducts and excessive production of tears. Some people are born with underdeveloped tear ducts. New borns often have watery eyes that clear up within a few weeks, as the ducts develop. The most common cause of watering eyes among adults and older children is blocked ducts or ducts that are too narrow. Narrowed tear ducts usually become so as a result of swelling, or inflammation.

If the tear ducts are narrowed or blocked, the tears will not be able to drain away and will build up in the tear sac.

Stagnant tears in the tear sac increase the risk of infection, and the eye will produce a sticky liquid, making the problem worse. Infection can also lead to inflammation on the side of the nose, next to the eye.

Narrow drainage channels on the insides of the eyes (canaliculi) can become blocked. This is caused by swelling or scarring.

• Over-production of tears
• Irritated eyes may produce more tears than normal as the body tries to rinse the irritant away.
• The following irritants can cause the over-production of tears:
• some chemicals, such as fumes, and even onions
• infective conjunctivitis
• allergic conjunctivitis
• an injury to the eye, such as a scratch or a bit of grit (tiny pebble or piece of dirt)
• trichiasis, where eyelashes grow inward
• ectropion, when the lower eyelid turns outward

Some people have tears with a high fat, or lipid, content. This may interfere with the even spread of liquid across the eye, leaving dry patches which become sore, irritated and cause the eye to produce more tears.

Other causes

There are many causes of watering eyes. The following conditions among others can also lead to an overflow of tears:

• keratitis, an infection of the cornea
• corneal ulcer, an open sore that forms on the eye
• styes or chalazions, lumps that can grow on the edge of the eyelid
• Bell’s palsy
• dry eyes
• allergies, including hay fever
• a problem with glands in the eyelids called the Meibomian glands
• use of certain medications

Media Contact:
Sarah Rose
Journal Manager Journal of Eye Diseases and Disorders
Email: eyedisorders@emedsci.com
Whatsapp:+1-947-333-4405