Excessive tearing happens when your eyes produce too many tears, or your tear ducts are blocked. It may affect one eye or both.
Causes of excessive tearing
Watery eyes are not normally a sign of anything serious, but are commonly caused by:
- dry eye
- allergies
- infections, such as conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’
- exposure to irritants, such as smoke, dust or chemicals
- blepharitis (swollen eyelids)
- damage to the cornea
- a stye (or cyst)
Excessive tearing can also be caused by a blockage to the tear ducts. Called lacrimal stenosis. Watery eyes may be due to problems with the eyelid, such as when it turns outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion), irritating the eye. Excessive tearing can also be a side effect of certain medications.
How Eye Specialists can help
Depending on the cause of your watery eyes, they may clear up on their own. If you continue to have excessive tearing, make an appointment to see us. Treatment will depend on the cause of your watery eyes, so we’ll start by taking a detailed history of your symptoms along with a medical history. We’ll also do a thorough eye exam.
Once we have determined the cause of your watery eyes we’ll design a treatment plan depending on your condition. All of our doctors have years of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions. Whatever your eye problem, EyeSpecialists can help.
