Watery eyes, or epiphoria, occur when the eyes produce too much tears or when the tear ducts fail to drain properly. While tears are necessary for lubricating and protecting the eyes, excessive tearing is uncomfortable and unhealthy. Determining the cause of eye watering is the first step to obtaining appropriate treatment.
Over-production of Tears
Eye irritants such as dry eyes, ingrown eyelashes or trapped debris can trigger an overproduction of tears by the lacrimal tear ducts. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, states that dry eyes are the most common cause of excessive tearing. Environmental irritants such as smoke, wind and dust may cause occasional watery eyes that improve rapidly once the irritant is removed. Treatment depends on the underlying cause or irritant. Watering due to dry eyes can be relieved with artificial tears. Irrigation can flush away trapped dirt or other debris. Ingrown hairs may require surgical removal.
Allergies
Allergies to mold, pollen, pet dander or other substances can trigger a reaction in the body that causes red, itchy and watery eyes. AllAboutVision.com explains that as many as half of Americans suffer from allergies, and an estimated 75 percent of those allergy symptoms affect the eyes. Over-the-counter antihistamine medications can relieve most cases of watery eyes due to allergies, according to the NIH. Severe cases may require treatment with mast cell stabilizer medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription corticosteroid drops. Wearing sunglasses and keeping your car and house windows closed is also beneficial.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, causes red, scaly eyelids and gritty or watery eyes. Blepharitis occurs when tiny glands in the eyelids fail to produce the chemicals that help spread tears across the eyes. This allows dry patches to develop on the surface of the eye, resulting in soreness and watering.
Lower Lid Disorders
The normal production of tears is disrupted when the lower lid is positioned incorrectly. Lax, or saggy, lower eyelids are correctable with outpatient surgery. Inward- or outward-turning eyelids can also cause watery eyes, and the NIH states that minor surgery to improve the position of the eyelids improves symptoms in most cases.
Naso-lacrimal Duct Blockage
The naso-lacrimal duct is located just below the tear sac. Blockage of this duct prevents the tears from draining properly through the drainage channels that run from the tear ducts in the corners of the eyes down either side of the nose. The cause of a naso-lacrimal duct is rarely found. Partial blockages may also occur due to weak eyelid muscles or other causes. Treatment for complete and partial blockages involves surgery under general anesthesia to open up the channel between the tear sac and the nose.
Infection
Viral or bacterial infections can both cause watery eyes. The common cold, chicken pox and other viruses may cause acute watery eyes that improve as the body recovers from the infection. A common cause of watery eyes in children is conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, which occurs due to infection or inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids and parts of the eyeball, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment involves antibiotic eye drops for infectious conjunctivitis, or anti-inflammatory drops for conjunctivitis caused by allergies or inflammation.
Acute dacrocystitis, or infected, blocked tear ducts, causes pain along with eye watering. Hot compresses to open the duct and oral antibiotics are the normal treatment. Severe abscesses may require surgical draining.
Uncommon Causes
Small drainage tubes, called canaliculae, may become obstructed and prevent tears from draining properly. Treatment of blocked canaliculus involves surgical implantation of an artificial tear duct, according to the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society. Nasal polyps, thyroid disease and severe eye trauma are other possible causes of watery eyes. Watery eyes may also develop due to aging.
