Watery eyes are uncomfortable and frustrating. Many people experience excessive tearing even when they are not crying. Watery eyes are often a way for your body to protect the eye. Moisture is necessary for optimal eye function. Tearing often points to an underlying eye or eyelid issue. This requires tearing and treatment for watery eyes. So, what causes tearing or watery eyes? Below are the most common causes and what you can do about them.
What Causes Tearing and Watery Eyes?
Tearing occurs when the eyes produce excess tears or when tears cannot drain normally. Several conditions contribute to watery eyes. Understanding what causes tearing and watery eyes is the first step towards relief. With a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, an oculofacial plastic surgeon can resolve the issue.
Excess Tear Production
The eyes naturally produce tears to function correctly. This ensures they are healthy and comfortable. When the surface of the eye becomes irritated, tear production increases. This is a protective response to the irritation. Common triggers of eye irritation include dry eye disease, allergies, smoke, air pollution, or eye strain. Things like bright lights, wind, and cold air can also trigger excessive tearing.
Blocked Tear Drainage
Tears drain through small openings in the inner corners of the eye. This area is called the puncta. From the puncta, the tears pass through the tear ducts and into the nose. If the drainage system is blocked or narrowed, tears can overflow from the eye. Several causes can block tear drainage. Common causes include inflammation, infection, scar tissue, or age-related changes. Blocked tear ducts are especially common among older adults.
Eyelid-Related Causes
The position of the eyelids plays a critical role in the tear drainage process. If the eyelids are mispositioned, tears can flow into the wrong areas. The eyelids should rest perfectly against the eye. However, eyelid positioning can change. This may include drooping, the eyelid turning inward, or the eyelid turning outward. In many cases, these are age-related eyelid issues. However, prior surgery, trauma, or facial nerve weakness can also impact the eyelid.
Eye Infections
Eye infections or inflammation can disrupt normal tear balance and drainage. This is commonly due to inflammation in the eye itself. It can also be due to an infection or inflammation in the eyelid itself. This can be caused by conditions such as conjunctivitis (also known as “pink eye”), blepharitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction. When the eyelids or the tear film are not functioning correctly, excessive tearing is common.
Treatment for Tearing and Watery Eyes
The best treatment for you depends on the cause of your watery eyes. It is important to seek evaluation from an oculofacial plastic surgeon. They can assess your symptoms and determine the best course of action. Mild cases may benefit from non-surgical treatment options. However, more severe cases may require more aggressive intervention. Below are some of the most common treatment options for watery eyes.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Water Eyes
For mild or temporary cases of watery eyes, non-surgical treatment is often enough to address the issue. Below are some of the common non-surgical treatment options.
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears restore balance to the tear film by lubricating your eyes. They reduce irritation and trigger reflex tearing. These are often used daily to ensure ongoing relief.
Prescription Eye Drops
Prescription eye drops target inflammation on the eye surface or on the eyelids. The eye drops calm irritation and normalize tear production. This improves overall comfort and makes daily life much easier. Prescription eye drops are often used for chronic eyelid inflammation or dry eye disease.
Warm Compresses and Eye Hygiene
Warm compresses are excellent for loosening clogged oil glands in the eyelids. Thai improves tear stability. Proper eye hygiene is also highly effective. Gently cleaning the lid reduces bacteria and debris that worsen irritation. Both warm compresses and eye hygiene, when combined, improve tear function and support healthier eyelids.
Surgical Treatment for Watery Eyes
In some cases, procedures may be necessary. If tear drainage is blocked or narrowed, several procedures can help. Tear duct irritation helps flush out blockages. Stent placement helps keep the ducts open. Punctual dilation is also a procedure used to treat watery eyes. When blockages are severe or long-lasting, surgery may be the best solution. One of the most common surgeries is dacryocystorhinostomy, which creates a new drainage pathway for tears.
Top Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Tearing and watery eyes negatively impact your overall quality of life. If you need treatment, contact the team at Chicago Oculofacial Consultants today to schedule your consultation!
