Understanding Causes and Remedies for Excessive Eye Watering

Tears are vital for maintaining eye health, providing lubrication and protection. However, excessive tearing, known as watery eyes, can affect people of all ages, especially infants and seniors. This condition may stem from allergies like conjunctivitis, which resolve after infection subsides, or from certain medications including chemotherapy agents, epinephrine, and specific eye drops such as pilocarpine and echothiophate iodide.

Medically termed Epiphora, watery eyes can affect one or both eyes.

Main Causes

They primarily arise from blocked tear ducts or overproduction of tears.

Blocked Tear Ducts
Blockages or narrowing of tear ducts often lead to tear accumulation and infection. Swelling or inflammation can cause tear buildup, which may also inflame surrounding areas such as the nose.

Excess Tear Production
When foreign objects or irritants enter the eye, tears are produced excessively to flush out the irritant. Factors like chemical exposure, allergies, infections, or injuries can trigger this response.

Common triggers include:

Tear duct infections

Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)

Ingrown eyelashes (Trichiasis)

Eyelid malpositions (Ectropion/Entropion)

Respiratory illnesses like cold or hay fever

Eye conditions such as keratitis or conjunctivitis

Dry eye syndrome and burns

Underlying medical issues may also cause watery eyes, including:

Chronic sinusitis

Facial nerve palsy

Rheumatoid arthritis

Thyroid problems and inflammatory diseases

Rare tumors affecting tear drainage

Radiation treatments and autoimmune conditions

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Some cases resolve naturally; for example, infants often outgrow tear duct underdevelopment. Specific treatments include:

Blocked Tear Ducts
In cases of blockage, dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery creates a new drainage pathway from tear sac to nasal cavity.

Ingrown Eyelashes
Removal of inward-growing eyelashes or foreign debris can relieve irritation and reduce tearing.

Eyelid Malpositions
Surgical correction of eyelid outward or inward turning (Ectropion/Entropion) restores proper eyelid function.

Narrowed Drainage Channels
Probing or surgical procedures can widen tear drainage pathways for optimal tear flow.

Home remedies may help in mild cases, such as resting your eyes from screen exposure, using lubricating eye drops, applying warm compresses, and gentle eyelid massage. Persistent symptoms like pain or redness warrant professional medical care.

Preventive Tips

Avoid allergens and irritants that trigger eye watering.

Wear protective eyewear outdoors.

Refrain from rubbing itchy eyes.

Maintain hygiene, especially around contagious infections like conjunctivitis.