Watery Eyes
Reviewed by Hank Rosenthal, O.D.
Tears are 100% necessary for the normal lubrication process of your eyes and to wash away particles and foreign substances in or around the eyes. However, too many tears or excessive tearing can result in watery eyes, which actually isn’t good for your eyes health. Watery eyes are also known as the condition Epiphora, which simply means increased tearing. There are many causes of Epiphora and many solutions to help alleviate and reduce symptoms. It’s important to note that tearing is not an emergency. Yes it can be annoying, but it can also be treated.
Watery Eyes Causes
There are many different issues that can cause increased tears as it is a symptom in a majority of eye related conditions and diseases, but once you find the culprit treatment can be pursued. Causes of watery eyes can include:
- Dry eyes or Dry Eye Syndrome
- Clogged tear ducts
- Conjunctivitis
- Environmental irritants such as chemicals, smog, hot wind, bright lights, blowing dust and airborne allergens
- Blepharitis, which is a dandruff-like substance that’s on eyelids and gets into eyes and disrupts tears
- Abrasions
- Foreign bodies
- Allergies due to mold, dust and dander
- Eyelids turning either inward or outward
- Age
Ironically, one of the biggest causes of the eyes to become watery is dry eyes. Dry Eye causes the eyes to become uncomfortable which triggers the body to begin producing too many tears. Your doctor will probably check to see if you suffer from DES before moving onto other tests. It’s also important to know that increased tearing can also be associated with things like yawning, laughing, vomiting and eye strain.
Treatment for Watery Eyes
First and foremost, it’s very important to consider what’s causing the tear production in the eyes before seeking any form of treatment. Knowing the source can possibly save you money and time. Artificial tears can help rewet your eyes if they're dry or burning. If your eyes are irritated or itchy, the tear production could be the result of an allergy. Over the counter antihistamines such as Claritin could be the solution, or you can see a doctor and receive prescribed antihistamines such as Allegra or Zyrtec to help with the watery eyes as well as other allergy-related symptoms.
Your doctor will be able to determine the cause of your watery eyes by doing a series of tests, such as the Schirmer's test. If you're experiencing discharge from your eyes, this could be a blocked tear duct or eyelid problem and an appointment could be set up with your doctor to do a drainage procedure or similar surgery to reduce the symptoms. Improper eyelid positions can also be fixed rather easily with a minor surgery. If an infection is to blame, antibiotics can be prescribed.
Many older people experience an increase in tear production. This is due to aging and a lack of quality tear production, and usually there is another underlying problem. Older people should see their eye care professionals more often to help pinpoint problems they experience before it turns into something worse. A good thing to do, regardless of your age is to protect your eyes at all times. If you spend time outside, wear sunglasses to shield the UV rays, protect against particles and airborne debris and to reduce glare.
Younger people, including children and infants can also experience extra tear production. Some infants are born with a narrow tear duct. If this happens, chances are it will widen itself by the age of 2, and the watery eyes will stop. Antibiotics can be given to children who are suffering from an infection in the eye, resulting in watery eyes. Probing is also possible for children and infants. The procedure is painless and is meant to open up the blockage.
[Page updated 3/2011]
