Epiphora
Key points
- Increased tearing is the excessive production of tears in one or both eyes.
- Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of the eye and to wash away particles and foreign bodies.
- If the eyes feel dry and burn and then begin to tear, consider artificial tears before tearing occurs.
- Tearing is not an emergency, but can be very annoying and usually can be treated.
Alternative names
Tearing - increased; Increased tearing
Definition
Increased tearing is the excessive production of tears in one or both eyes.
Considerations
Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of the eye and to wash away particles and foreign bodies. Excessive tear production or improper drainage of the tear duct results in watery eyes. Irritation, infection, and inward-growing eyelashes can also cause watery eyes. An infection or blockage of the tear duct can also cause excessive watering of the eyes when tears do not drain normally through the nose.
Increased tearing is sometimes accompanied by yawning, vomiting, laughing, and eyestrain.
Oddly enough, one of the most common causes of tear is dry eyes. Drying causes the eyes to become uncomfortable which stimulates the body to produce too many tears. One of the main evaluations for tearing, is to check if the eyes are too dry!
Common Causes
- dry eyes
- clogged tear duct
- environmental irritants, including smog or chemicals in the air, exposure to hot wind, strong light, blowing dust, or airborne allergens
- blepharitis - dandruff like substance on the eyelids that disrupts tears
- conjunctivitis (often accompanied by itching or redness)
- foreign bodies and abrasions
- allergy to mold, dander, dust
- eyelid turning inward or outward
Home Care
Consider the cause of the tearing. If the eyes feel dry and burn and then begin to tear, consider artificial tears before tearing occurs. This prevents the reflex tearing.
If the eyes are itchy and uncomfortable consider allergy as a cause. Occasionally topical and over the counter antihistamines can be useful. If the eyes have a mucous discharge or are red, consider a blocked tear duct or eyelid problem.
Call your health care provider if
Tearing is not an emergency, but can be very annoying and usually can be treated.
- prolonged unexplained tearing
- associated with pain in the eye
- associated with tenderness around the nose or a sinuses
- red eyes, excess discharge
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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