Watery eyes

Watery eyes can be due to increased production of tears by one or both eyes, or the source of the problem is precisely the normal tear drainage. This condition is also known as epiphora.

The eyes produce tears all the time to moisten the eyes and wash away foreign objects or harmful particles. The accessory lacrimal glands located behind the upper and lower eyelids produce the tears that moisten the eyes throughout the day. The main lacrimal glands, located near the upper outer corner of each eye, produce tears to wash foreign substances from the eye as well as “psychological” tears – which accompany crying and intense emotions. The tears flow across the surface of the eye towards the tear ducts, which are located in the inner corners of each eye. From there, the tears drain through the tear drainage system into the nose, through a passage known as the nasolacrimal duct.

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Symptoms of watery eyes may include:

Constant tears

blurred vision

pain or itching

sticky eye

Irritated eyelids

diagnosis

Watery eyes are diagnosed after consultation with an ophthalmologist and after a thorough examination of the eyes, eyelids, tear ducts and drainage tubes to the nose, in order to conclude what the source of the problem is and what treatment is required.

Factors

When a foreign object enters the eye, such as dirt particles, dust grains or an eyelash, the body produces more tears to wash them away. Even things too small to see, like smoke particles or chemicals in onions, trigger this reaction. Once the cause of the problem is washed out of the eye, the eyes should stop watering. However, in some cases, due to other eye problems and health problems, the balance of tear production and drainage fails, and as a result, the eye tears in an increased manner and frequency.

Causes of watery eyes include:

dry eyes

Why would dry eyes cause watery eyes? It may be counterintuitive but dry eye disease often leads to extra watery eyes. Dry eyes can cause a feeling of irritation and discomfort and in this situation the body's natural response is to produce more tears to get rid of the irritation. When the natural drainage of the eyes is unable to cope with the excess production of tears, the condition of watery eyes is caused.

pink eye

Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye) Conjunctivitis is a common cause of watery eyes in both children and adults. The inflammation can cause one or both eyes to appear pink or red accompanied by a feeling of itching and roughness. Infections by bacteria or viruses are the most common cause of this inflammation. Viral infections do not require treatment, but if they are bacterial they may need to be treated with antibiotic eye drops.

Blocked tear ducts

The tear ducts are the natural drainage system of the eyes - the small openings located in the corners of the eyes. The lacrimal glands produce tears, which wash the surface of the eye and then drain out through the tear ducts. When the tear ducts are blocked, tears accumulate on the surface of the eye and may overflow. There are several factors that cause blockage in the tear ducts such as aging, inflammation, infection, injury and more. This is the most common cause of watery eyes in babies and especially in newborns, however at these ages the problem tends to resolve itself and without the need for special intervention.

Eyelid problems

The eyelids function as windshield wipers. When you blink, they spread the tears over the surface of the eye. Sometimes the eyelids and eyelashes rise to twitch and turn inward - something that leads to eye rubbing, a problem called entropion. In the event that they curve outward, a phenomenon called ectropion, the eyelids fail to wipe the entire eye when blinking. Any of these symptoms can cause watery eyes. If necessary, these conditions can be corrected by surgery.

stye

Barley, which appears as a swollen, red and painful lump along the edge of the eyelid can cause excessive tearing. Barley is usually caused by bacteria and usually goes away on its own after a few days. In the meantime, do not try to blow it up as this action may spread the infection. A compress with a warm cloth on the eye may ease the pain and discomfort.

A scratch in the eye

Dirt, sand and contact lenses can scratch the cornea. In such a case, the eye may water and hurt, appear red and be sensitive to light. These scratches usually heal within a day or two, but sometimes treatment is necessary to prevent infection of the cornea.

allergies

Many people suffer from allergies due to exposure to potential allergens such as pollen, dust, certain animals and more. Allergy symptoms include cough, runny nose and other classic systemic allergy symptoms. The allergy is often accompanied by itchy and watery eyes that can also redden and swell. On the other hand, the eyes can have their own specific allergies such as the ingredients in eye drops. Using anti-allergy drugs, washing the eye from the causes of the allergic reaction and of course avoiding them can ease the situation.

Blepharitis

This condition causes swelling of the eyelids, scaling on the eyelashes and, among other things, tearing of the eyes along with burning sensations, redness and itching. There are several factors that can lead to this condition such as infections, rosacea (skin disease) and allergies. The inflammation often comes and goes on its own, but cleaning the eyelids and removing the secretions on them can help recovery.

Problems with sebaceous glands

Tiny glands at the edge of the eyelid, called meibomian glands, produce oils that help keep the eyes healthy. These oils form a layer that inhibits the evaporation of tears from the surface of the eye, and in addition help shield the eye and reduce the friction created with the eyelid. In the event that these glands are blocked and do not produce enough oil, the eye becomes irritated and watery. Treating the eye with warm compresses can help the gland return to normal action.

Bell's Palsy

This condition can cause the facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed on one side of the face due to nerve damage, causing the face to droop or become paralyzed on the affected side. Bell's palsy can also affect the eyes in the form of excessive tearing, dry eye disease or the inability to close the eye. In most cases, the weakness is temporary and improves significantly within a few weeks.

Sjogren's Syndrome

An autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune system that normally protects the body mistakenly attacks it. In Sjogren's syndrome, the glands responsible for producing tears and saliva are attacked, resulting in dry mouth, dry eyes, or especially watery eyes. There is currently no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, but there are several treatments that can help, such as: eye drops to keep the eyes moist (artificial tears) and drugs that help the body produce more tears and saliva.

Flu and colds

When we get the flu or a cold, the immune system produces substances that cause inflammation of the nasal mucosa and dilate the blood vessels in the area, which creates congestion in the nose and a runny nose. The same process occurs in the lacrimal duct, which drains the tears from the eye to the nose, and as a result the drainage duct may become blocked and the tears accumulate and accumulate in the eye. That's why when we get the flu or a cold, the eyes water more and produce secretions.

Medicines

Some medications can cause watery eyes as a side effect. Among these drugs are chemotherapy drugs, epinephrine, acethiopate iodide and pilocarpine.

other reasons

Weather conditions such as winter, strong wind, sun or haze can also cause the eyes to produce too many tears. Excessive eye strain, from work or screens for example, can also cause the eyes to water excessively. Other environmental factors such as bright light, smog, air conditioning and cold can cause eye irritation which will lead to watery eyes.

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