12 Conditions That Cause Watery Eyes

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on February 22, 2022

When something gets in your eye — a speck of dirt, dust, an eyelash — your body makes more tears to flush it out. Even stuff that’s too small to see, like particles in smoke or chemicals in onions, trigger this reaction. Once the problem has been swept away, your eyes should stop watering. But there are other eye problems and health issues can make you tear up more often, too.

You might have this problem because your body doesn’t make enough tears, because they dry up too fast, or they don’t have the right balance of water, oils, and mucus. Lots of things can cause those issues, from windy days to medical conditions. Whatever the cause, your eyes react by making more tears.

Pinkeye is a common cause of watery eyes for both children and adults. It can make one or both of the eyes look pink or red and feel itchy and gritty, like there’s sand in them. Infections with bacteria or viruses are the most common cause. Viral infections don’t need treatment, but you might need antibiotic eye drops if it’s bacterial.

Watery, itchy eyes often come with a cough, runny nose, and other classic allergy symptoms. But it’s possible to have eye allergies on their own. Allergy medicines, eye drops, and avoiding your triggers — like pollen, mold, or pet dander — can help. While colds can cause watery eyes, too, they won’t make them itch. That’s one way to tell colds and allergies apart.

Normally, tears flow out of the tear glands above your eye, spread across the surface of your eyeball, and drain into ducts in the corner. But if the ducts get clogged, the tears build up and your eye gets watery. Lots of things can cause the problem, like infections, injuries, even aging.

Your eyelids are like windshield wipers. When you blink, they spread tears across your eye and sweep away the extra moisture. But sometimes they don’t work quite right. The eyelids and lashes can curve inward and rub against the eye, a problem called entropion. Or they sag outward, called ectropion, so the lids can’t wipe the whole eye when you blink. Either one can trigger watery eyes. If you need it, surgery can be a permanent fix.

Dirt, sand, and contact lenses can scratch the outside of your eyeball, called the cornea. If this happens, your eye may tear up, hurt, look red, and be sensitive to light. While these scratches usually heal in a day or two, it’s important to see a doctor if you might have a corneal scratch. You may need treatment to prevent an infection.

They can make your eye teary, but the other symptoms are usually more obvious, like a swollen, red, painful lump along the edge of your eyelid. Bacteria are the cause, and a stye will probably go away on its own in a few days. In the meantime, leave it alone and don’t try to pop it like a pimple — you’ll spread the infection. A warm washcloth on your eye may ease the pain.

Ever had an eyebrow hair that stubbornly grows in at a weird angle? The same thing can happen with your eyelashes. If they grow in instead of out, they rub against the eye. It’s called trichiasis, and it can happen after infections, injuries, or other problems. To get relief from the discomfort and excess tears, your doctor might remove the eyelash or redirect it so it points in the right direction.

This condition makes your eyelids swell, usually near the eyelashes. Your eyes might sting and be watery, red, itchy, and crusty. Lots of things can cause it, like infections, rosacea, and allergies. Treatments can help, although blepharitis often comes and goes.

Tiny glands on the edge of your eyelid, called meibomian glands, make oils that help keep your eyes healthy. They stop your eyes from drying up too fast and create a barrier that keeps tears where you need them. But if these glands get blocked and don’t make enough oil, your eye gets irritated and watery. Warm compresses on the eye are one way to help the glands work normally again.

Lots of medical conditions can cause watery eyes, like Bell’s palsy, Sjogren’s syndrome, chronic sinus infections, thyroid problems, and rheumatoid arthritis. So can medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. If your eyes tear up often and you don’t know why, see your doctor. Treatment could help you feel better and see clearly again.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

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SOURCES:

KidsHealth: “Why Do Eyes Water?” “Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis).”

Mayo Clinic: “Dry Eyes,” “Hay Fever,” “Blocked Tear Duct,” “Entropion,” “Ectropion,” “Corneal Abrasion (Scratch): First Aid,” “Sty,” “Blepharitis,” “Watery Eyes.”

American Optometric Association: “Conjunctivitis.”

National Eye Institute: “Facts About Pink Eye,” “Eyelid Disorders, Entropion and Ectropion.”

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: “Eye Allergy.”

Cleveland Clinic: “How Can I Tell Seasonal Allergies from a Cold?” “Tear System. ”

American Academy of Ophthalmology: “Trichiasis.”

American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: “Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Treatment.”

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Causes, When to See a Doctor & Treatment

Tears are normally discharged through your tear ducts and then evaporate. When you produce too many tears, they overwhelm your tear ducts, and you develop watery eyes.

Tears serve several key roles in your body. They keep your eyes lubricated and help to wash away foreign particles and dust. They are also a component of your immune system that protects you against infection.

Glands under the skin of your upper eyelids produce tears, which contain water and salt. When you blink, tears spread and keep your eyes moist. Other glands produce oils that keep tears from evaporating too fast or from spilling out of your eyes.

If you’re having too many tears, your watery eyes should resolve without treatment in most cases. But, the condition can sometimes become a chronic problem.

Consult your doctor if you have a prolonged case of watery eyes, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

It is common to temporarily produce excess tears when you are emotional, laughing, coughing, vomiting, experiencing strong taste sensations, or yawning.

One of the most prevalent reasons for watery eyes is dry eye syndrome. Extremely dry eyes can cause you to produce excess tears. Because your eyes are not receiving proper lubrication, you continually produce an abundance of tears, which continues the cycle.

If your tears do not contain the right balance of water, salt, and oils, your eyes can become too dry. The resulting irritation causes an overproduction of tears that spill out through your tear ducts.

Among other common causes are:

• weather conditions such as dusty weather, wind, cold, and sunshine
• eye strain
• environmental factors such as bright light and smog
• common cold, sinus problems, and allergies
• inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis)
• eyelid turned outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion)
• ingrown eyelash (trichiasis)
• pink eye (conjunctivitis) or other infections
• blocked tear ducts
• foreign objects, chemicals, or irritating gases and liquids in the eye
• injury, such as a cut or scrape on the eye
• some prescription medications
• cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation

Typically, watery eyes are temporary and resolve on their own when the cause is addressed or your eyes have healed. However, in some cases, the condition may persist.

The reason for your dry eyes will determine the best treatment. You should contact a physician or eye doctor if you have excessive or prolonged tearing and any of the following symptoms:

• vision loss or visual disturbances
• injured or scratched eye
• chemicals in your eye
• discharge or bleeding from your eye
• foreign object stuck in your eye on the inside of your eyelid
• red, irritated, swollen, or painful eyes
• unexplained bruising around your eye
• tenderness around your nose or sinuses
• eye issues accompanied by a severe headache
• watery eyes that fail to improve on their own

In most cases, watery eyes will clear up without treatment. If not, your physician or eye doctor will perform an eye exam or a physical.

Be prepared to answer questions about recent eye injuries and health conditions. Tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements you take.

Your doctor may also perform a test that determines if fluid can pass through the tear ducts.

Remedies for watery eyes include:

• prescription eye drops
• treating allergies that make your eyes watery
• antibiotics if you have an eye infection
• a warm, wet towel placed on your eyes several times a day, which can help with blocked tear ducts
• a surgical procedure to clear blocked tear ducts
• surgery to repair or create a new tear drainage system (dacryocystorhinostomy)

Most cases of watery eyes aren’t serious and will resolve without treatment. You should always call your eye doctor right away if you experience any changes in your vision. Vision changes can be a symptom of very serious eye problems that require prompt treatment.

Lachrymation

Herpes

Measles

Allergy

Conjunctivitis

Trauma

Blepharitis

SARS

Influenza

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12-th of September

Lachrymation from the eyes – the causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Tears are a universal remedy for moisturizing the cornea, removing foreign particles from the eyeball and disinfecting it. Normally, a healthy person secretes about 1 ml of tear fluid per day. Tears produced by the lacrimal glands enter the canals that connect to the lacrimal sac. Tears drain from the lacrimal sac through the lacrimal duct into the nasal cavity. That is why severe lacrimation is always accompanied by discharge from the nose.

Varieties

The causes of increased lacrimation can be divided into two groups: physiological (natural) and pathological.

Natural lacrimation can be caused by pain, strong wind and frost, irritating natural substances (juice of caustic products, pepper) getting into the eye.

Pathological causes include ophthalmic diseases or lesions, systemic disorders, and infectious diseases.

Possible causes and diseases in which increased tearing occurs

A common factor that causes tearing is failure to follow the recommendations for wearing and caring for contact lenses.

Doing so may damage the lenses and cause deposits to form on them. When using disinfectants and cleaning solutions, their toxic effect on the cornea is possible. Less often, eye irritation accompanied by lacrimation is caused by corneal disease or improper fitting of lenses.

Damage to the structures of the eye is always accompanied by lacrimation.

The cornea and conjunctiva are especially often damaged by blows, wounds with sharp objects, or as a result of a burn. In the presence of a foreign body, there is profuse lacrimation, photophobia, pain. The person reflexively closes the injured eye.

Most often, increased tearing is a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, or an allergy. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by various types of staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci.

The acute onset of the disease is accompanied by damage to both eyes, redness and profuse watery, and then mucopurulent discharge.

Sometimes the process can move to the cornea, causing keratitis. Conjunctivitis may be the result of a chlamydial infection transmitted through household contact. The disease begins with the defeat of one eye, and then goes to the second. There is reddening of the mucous membrane of the eye, some lacrimation, moderate photophobia.

Viral conjunctivitis can be caused by adenoviruses, herpes viruses.

The disease can occur after respiratory infections.

With adenovirus infection, conjunctivitis develops acutely, accompanied by reddening of the conjunctiva, swelling of the eyelids and lacrimation. Herpetic lesions are characterized by a sluggish course and one-sided localization of the process. In addition, the appearance of characteristic rashes on the skin of the eyelids and wings of the nose is possible.

Inflammation of the ciliary edge of the eyelids – blepharitis – gives a picture similar in symptoms. The causes of blepharitis can be infectious (most often staphylococci) and non-infectious: allergic reactions and some eye pathologies (dry eye syndrome, astigmatism). In any case, the course of blepharitis is accompanied by swelling and redness of the eyelids, itching, exacerbation of sensitivity to natural stimuli (light, wind). Because of the constantly released tears, the picture before the eyes is blurry and fuzzy. Dry eye syndrome can also be an independent cause of increased lacrimation. In this case, tears serve as a compensatory response to insufficient hydration of the cornea.

Dry eye syndrome can occur due to rare blinking (when working at a computer for a long time), when using fans and heaters, wearing contact lenses, and also due to improperly selected cosmetics.

Allergic conjunctivitis that occurs upon contact with external irritants (dust, pet hair, cosmetics) may begin acutely with sudden pain in the eyes, itching, lacrimation, and may be accompanied by minor manifestations that make diagnosis difficult.

When the work of the lacrimal ducts is disrupted, retention lacrimation occurs. Its causes may be inflammation in the area of ​​the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis), obstruction or narrowing of the nasolacrimal canal (dacryostenosis), eversion or senile prolapse of the lower eyelid. Dacryocystitis develops when tear fluid from the lacrimal sac cannot pass through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal passage. Stagnation of fluid in the lacrimal sac is accompanied by infection, inflammation, lacrimation, mucopurulent discharge. The area of ​​the lacrimal sac (under the inner corner of the eye) becomes red and edematous, narrowing of the palpebral fissure is possible. Obstruction of the nasolacrimal canal may be congenital due to abnormal development of facial structures or be of a traumatic nature. Sometimes the tear duct is blocked by swelling in the nose or eye area. However, more often narrowing or blockage of the nasolacrimal canal may occur as a result of infectious processes or the use of drugs (for example, for the treatment of glaucoma). The drainage system of the eye may be underdeveloped in newborns, but this situation usually resolves on its own or after a course of special massage. In older patients, obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct occurs when the lower eyelid droops due to weakening of the muscles that contract the lower eyelid and the tendon of the corner of the eye. Sometimes the reason lies in the functional weakness of the muscles of the lacrimal ducts, their atony, which causes persistent lacrimation.

In many cases, increased tearing can be caused by infectious diseases, in particular, SARS, influenza, and in children, measles.

Against the background of the main symptoms (headache, swelling and congestion of the nose, sore throat), the conjunctiva and sclera turn red, swelling of the eyelids is observed.

Violation of the immune status almost always affects the course of eye diseases. Acting as the root cause, immunological changes can cause autoimmune uveitis.

Which doctors should I contact?

In case of any discomfort in the eyes, accompanied by increased tearing, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist. After a physical examination of the eyes and the necessary diagnostic procedures, the ophthalmologist may refer the patient to an oncologist, immunologist, or allergist.

Diagnostics and examinations

To identify the causes of increased tearing, it is necessary, first of all, to carefully examine the structures of the eye to identify anatomical defects (improper position of the eyelashes), as well as to assess the condition of the cornea, eyelid skin, conjunctiva, the adequacy of eyelid closure, the nature and frequency of blinking movements. With biomicroscopy, the eyes analyze the condition of the tear film, cornea, conjunctiva of the eyeball and eyelids, and the height of the lacrimal menisci. Careful questioning of the patient is also necessary to establish the causes of lacrimation. It is easiest to identify an eye injury that was preceded by a blow, prick or burn.

Previous infections may indicate a viral or bacterial cause of the disease.

If the infectious nature of the disease is suspected, the discharge from the eye is sown on the microflora with the determination of sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs.

If the patient’s occupation is associated with prolonged computer work, a fluorescein instillation test is performed using a staining solution to detect tear film rupture and corneal defects. Special tests allow you to evaluate the rate of formation of tear fluid (Schirmer’s test), the quality and rate of evaporation of the tear film (Norn’s test). The strength of the tear film is checked when viewed in polarized light, and the thickness of the lipid layer is also measured. The most difficult diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis, which requires the setting of allergic tests. To assess the state of the nasolacrimal canals, if their obstruction is suspected, color functional tests are performed.

Treatment

Increased tearing is a symptom that can be eliminated only by curing the underlying disease, and this process should not be delayed.

What to do if excessive tearing occurs

If lacrimation appeared suddenly, before the obligatory visit to the doctor, it is necessary to learn how to properly wipe the tears.

To do this, cover the eye and with a slight blotting movement from the outer corner of the eye to the inner one, remove the tear with a clean handkerchief, pressing the lower eyelid to the eyeball.

If the patient wears contact lenses, it is worth visiting an ophthalmologist to check the correct selection of lenses and receive advice on caring for them. Elderly patients should not instill more than three types of drops at the same time, and the interval between instillations should be more than 10-15 minutes. At the time of instillation, the upper eyelid should be pulled up.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Foreign body of the cornea”. Developed by: Association of Ophthalmologists. – 2021.
2. Clinical guidelines “Injury to the eye closed.” Developed by: Association of Ophthalmologists. – 2021.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Eye tearing: treatment, diagnosis, prevention

Table of contents:

Causes of tearing
Classification
Symptoms and diagnosis
Treatment of tearing eyes
Prevention

Tearing is a natural process. The fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands moisturizes the surface of the eye and protects the mucous membrane from dust and other particles. Excessive lacrimation occurs during inflammatory processes. It signals the development of ophthalmopathology. Treatment of tearing eyes should be under the supervision of a doctor, because if the approach is not correct, the infection can lead to suppuration and visual impairment.

Causes of tearing

The causes of lacrimation can be divided into 2 groups: physiological and pathological. The first are temporary and do not pose a danger to the organs of vision. These include weather conditions, stress, fatigue, colds, beriberi. Incorrectly selected lenses or glasses, eye strain can also cause tearing.

Pathological processes that cause tearing include:

• Conjunctivitis. An inflammatory disease is accompanied not only by tearing, but by redness of the eyes, a burning sensation and itching.
• Glaucoma. Lacrimation is noted along with increased intraocular pressure in this pathology.
• Dry eye syndrome. It develops under the influence of high temperatures, overvoltage when working at a computer or reading. It does not pose a particular danger, but it can become a starting point for the development of ophthalmic pathologies.
• Dacryocystitis. An infectious disease characterized by lacrimation and purulent discharge. Often diagnosed in newborns.
• Allergy. When the allergen affects the nasal mucosa, excess fluid is excreted along with tears. An allergic reaction, along with tearing, is accompanied by sneezing, coughing, itching.

Pathological causes of lacrimation also include a violation or damage to the lacrimal ducts, an abnormal anatomical structure of the nose or eyes.

Classification

In the classification of lacrimation, 2 varieties are distinguished: retention and hypersecretory. The first type of lacrimation develops as a result of a violation of the evacuation of the lacrimal fluid. Excretory tracts can be too narrow or clogged, which is a common consequence of stress or allergies.

Hypersecretory lacrimation is characterized by copious secretions. They occur as a result of the inflammatory process of the conjunctiva, trauma or chemical burns.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The main symptom is profuse uncontrolled lacrimation for no apparent reason. It can go on for several days without stopping. If you have such a symptom, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist.

To diagnose the cause of tearing, hardware and instrumental methods are used. First, the patency of the lacrimal canals is checked using a color test. A colored solution is instilled into the eyes during lacrimation, after which its passage time through the nasal cavity is noted. If there is a suspicion of its narrowing, contrast x-ray diagnostics is performed.

If glaucoma is suspected, IOP is measured. For the diagnosis of ophthalmic pathologies with lacrimation, an examination of the fundus, biomicroscopy, and ultrasound of the eye are used. If the cause of lacrimation is not established, a conclusion is made about eye strain or exposure to external factors.

Eye tear treatment

If the eyes are watery, drug therapy is used for treatment. With a diagnosed inflammatory process, a number of drugs are prescribed:

• antibiotics;
• antihistamines;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

To eliminate tearing, apply drops that relieve itching and swelling. In inflammatory processes, physiotherapy can be prescribed, such as phototherapy, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy.

With dry eye syndrome, if a person has to work for a long time in the wind, in smoky or dusty rooms, at a computer, moisturizing drops that mimic natural tear fluid are prescribed. The preparations are as close as possible in composition to natural tears and do not cause discomfort when instilled.

Surgery is an extreme measure that is used for blockage of the tear ducts, eversion of the upper or lower eyelid. If the lacrimal duct is blocked, which is common in infants, balloon dacryocystoplasty in children or dacryocystorhinostomy is performed.

During the first type of surgery, a conductor with an expanding balloon is inserted into the hole in the corner of the eye, which is filled with liquid. Under pressure, it expands the duct.

For adults, dacryocystorhinostomy is used.