Watery eyes, also known as epiphora, is a condition in which there is excessive tearing of the face. It is very common and can develop at any age, although it is most common in infants and people over the age of 60. It can affect one or both eyes and can usually improve without any treatment, or can be treated very effectively.
What causes watery eyes?
The cause of watery eyes is blocked tear ducts. Some people are born with underdeveloped tear ducts and it is normal for newborns to have watery eyes, which clear as the ducts develop. In adults and older children, the most common cause is blocked ducts or ducts that are too narrow. Narrowed ducts are the result of swelling or inflammation. If the tear ducts are blocked, tears will build up and cannot drain. The accumulation of tears in the tear sac increases the risk of infection, which means that the eye will produce a sticky fluid.
The cause of watery eyes is blockage of the tear ducts.
Overproduction of tears
Eyes that are irritated may produce more tears than normal. Eyes can be irritated by a number of factors, including some chemicals such as fumes, infectious or allergic conjunctivitis, an eye injury such as a scratch or from sand, eyelashes growing inward or the lower eyelid turning outward. Other causes of watery eyes may be due to an infection of the cornea (keratitis), an open sore that forms in the eye (corneal ulcer), sties, Bell’s palsy, dry eyes, allergies such as hay fever, and the use of certain medications.
Treatment of watery eyes
In mild cases of watery eyes, the doctor may recommend doing nothing except monitoring the progress. Depending on the cause of the tearing, there are different treatment options. For watery eyes caused by irritation, if they do not clear up on their own, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. For blocked tear ducts, surgery may be performed to create a new channel between the tear sacs into the nose. The surgical procedure is called a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).
Home remedies for watery eyes
It is recommended to take a break from reading, computer or phone screens. Eye drops are available for over-the-counter purchase at a pharmacy to keep the eyes moist. Keeping a warm, moist cloth over the eyes can also help release any blockage.