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Watery eyes, medically known as epiphora, are a common concern affecting people of all ages. In India, rising pollution, increased screen time, and allergies have contributed to many cases. Globally, epiphora can affect individuals throughout life. A large study in Scotland found that up to 20% of infants experience epiphora in their first year of life. While this condition is often mild, it can disrupt daily activities, cause discomfort, and even blur vision if left untreated. In this article, we’ll explore why watery eyes happen, what conditions might be responsible, and the treatments available to manage symptoms effectively.
Synopsis
What is Epiphora (Watery Eyes)?
Tears are necessary to keep your eyes healthy and functioning properly. They lubricate the eyes, nourish the cornea, remove dirt, and have antibacterial qualities that guard against infections. The lacrimal glands create tears, which drain into the nose through tiny channels. This proper balance keeps your eyes clear and comfortable.
Watery eyes or epiphora, can result from a disruption in this system, which can be caused by either excessive tear production or obstructed drainage. The overflow of tears across the face is referred to as this condition, ranging from a little annoyance to a more significant issue.
Types of Epiphora
Epiphora can be classified into four types, each with different causes:
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Gustatory Epiphora (Crocodile Tears): This happens when you cry while eating or when you're thinking about food. It results from damaged facial nerves and abnormal nerve connections.
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Reflex Epiphora: When the surface of the eye is irritated or injured—for example, by smoke, allergies, or foreign objects—tears are produced.
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Obstructive Epiphora: This kind occurs when the puncta, canaliculi, or tear duct—the system that drains tears—becomes obstructed, causing the tears to overflow.
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Hypersecretory Epiphora: A rare disorder in which the tear glands overproduce tears for no apparent cause, frequently as a result of underlying medical issues.
Common Causes of Watery Eyes
Several factors contribute to epiphora, and they range from minor irritations to more serious health issues. Here’s a look at the common reasons for watery eyes:
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Dry eyes (dryness can trigger the eyes to produce excessive tears in an attempt to compensate, leading to overflow)
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Obstructions in the tear ducts
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Allergic reactions to pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or certain cosmetics
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Eye infections (conjunctivitis (pink eye) or blepharitis (eyelid inflammation))
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Exposure to irritants like smoke, wind, bright lights, or chemical fumes
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Straining your eyes while reading, working on screens, or driving
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Ageing is a very commonly found reason for watery eyes
Common Signs of Epiphora (Watery Eyes)
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Some of the most common signs of epiphora include:
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Constant overflow of tears
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Eye redness and irritation
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Sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia)
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Discomfort or foreign body sensation (feeling of something in the eye, like a gritty or scratchy sensation)
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Frequent eye discharge (clear or yellowish discharge)
If you notice any of these signs persistently, it’s important to consult with an eye specialist to identify the cause and find the right treatment. At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, our experts provide personalised care to address epiphora and improve your eye health.
Treatments for Watery Eyes
For persistent or severe cases of epiphora, medical intervention may be necessary. The remedy for watery eyes depends on the cause. Here are some common options:
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Lubricating Drops or Eyelid Surgery: If irritation is causing watery eyes, eye drops or eyelid surgery can help reduce excessive tearing.
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Punctoplasty: This is a simple procedure where the tear duct opening (punctum) is widened so that tears can drain properly.
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Balloon Dacryoplasty: A balloon is gently inserted into the tear ducts and inflated to clear any blockages, helping tears drain more easily.
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Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): In this surgery, a small passage is created between the tear sac and the nose to bypass any blockage, allowing tears to drain properly.
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Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR): Similar to DCR, but it creates a passage from the eye to the nose to help with tear drainage.
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Botulinum Toxin Injection: For some patients who can’t have surgery, an injection of botulinum toxin can help reduce tear production and improve drainage.
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Tear Drainage Stents: Tiny tubes can be placed into the tear ducts to keep them open, allowing tears to drain properly.
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Antibiotics or Anti-inflammatory Medicine: If an infection or inflammation is causing the problem, your doctor may recommend antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicine.
Many cases of paediatric epiphora go away on their own. If not, silicone tube placement, balloon dilation, or probing can be required. DCR or CDCR might be suggested in chronic cases.
Conclusion
Epiphora, or watery eyes, is a common condition that can range from a mild inconvenience to a more serious issue affecting daily life. Whether caused by dry eyes, blocked tear ducts, allergies, or infections, understanding the underlying cause is key to finding the right teary eyes treatment. While it may sometimes resolve on its own, persistent cases require treatment, ranging from eye drops to surgical procedures like Punctoplasty or DCR.
Consulting an eye specialist is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment if you're struggling with watery eyes. At Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, our expert ophthalmologists offer personalised care to help manage and treat epiphora effectively. Don’t let watery eyes affect your daily life—reach out to us for the right solutions.
FAQ's
Yes, clogged tear ducts can cause watery eyes in kids, especially infants. By the age of one, this problem usually goes away on its own. However, medical intervention might be required if the condition continues.
For an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment, it's critical to see an eye expert if your watery eyes are painful, persistent, impair your vision, or are accompanied by additional symptoms like discharge, redness, or light sensitivity.
Some find relief by applying a warm compress to their eyes to relieve inflammation, using over-the-counter lubricating eye medications, or performing eye exercises to lessen strain. However, persistent or severe cases should be evaluated by a doctor.
Avoiding irritants, applying lubricating eye drops, and taking frequent breaks from screens might help lower the incidence of epiphora, although some causes of watery eyes, such as allergies or ageing, may not be completely prevented.
You can schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: Manipalhospitals.com
Contact no: 033 6907 0001
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