Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions for Excessive Tear Production

Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies for Excessive Tears

Persistent tearing, without emotional reasons, can be both socially embarrassing and medically concerning. It often causes discomfort and irritation. This article explores the main factors behind excessive tear production, common symptoms, and effective treatment options.

What leads to watery eyes?

The eyes generate tears to keep themselves moist and to eliminate debris.

Tears also help combat eye infections as part of the immune response.

Excess tear production or impaired tear drainage causes watery eyes.

Why do eyes produce too many tears?

Tear glands produce water, salt, and oil to hydrate the eyes.

Imbalance in these components can cause dryness and irritation.

This dryness prompts the tear ducts to secrete more fluid, leading to excessive tearing.

This condition is often called ‘dry eye syndrome’.

Major triggers for excessive tearing include:

Allergies from dust, pollen, pet dander, or aerosols.

Eye strain from prolonged screen time on computers, phones, or TVs.

Medical issues like blocked tear ducts, eyelash ingrowth, conjunctivitis, styes, corneal abrasions, colds, sinusitis, thyroid problems, eyelid malpositions, or hay fever.

Medical treatments including chemotherapy or surgeries involving the eyes or nose.

Exposure to bright lights, which can provoke tearing.

When should you consult a doctor?

Most cases linked to allergies or dry eye resolve with removal of triggers.

Seek medical attention if accompanied by redness, swelling, vision changes, a foreign body sensation, or tenderness.

Seek urgent care if there is eye discharge, bleeding, or severe headaches with tearing.

How is excessive tearing treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Conditions like conjunctivitis, colds, or allergies require specific treatments, such as eye drops or medications.

Surgery may be necessary for severe eyelid conditions like ectropion.

Blocked tear ducts can be corrected with procedures like dacryocystorhinostomy.

How is tearing managed in infants?

Many newborns experience watery eyes that usually resolve naturally.

Gentle cleaning with sterile water and a soft cloth helps in mild cases.

If symptoms persist, consult a pediatrician; avoid using unprescribed eye drops.

Home remedies for managing tear overproduction

Reduce eye strain by limiting screen time.

Applying a warm, damp cloth over the eyes can soothe irritation and help regulate tearing.