Tears are the fluid that helps keep your eyes healthy and maintain a clear vision. But if tears are overproduced or do not drain completely, it can lead to watery eyes. Epiphora is the medical term used to describe watery eyes. Too many tears can make it difficult to see and affect your daily life. This condition can affect either one eye or both eyes. But this condition can be effectively treated.
Common Signs of Epiphora
The signs of epiphora vary based on its cause. However, the following are some of the common signs:
- Excessive tears from eyes
- Tears falling on the face
- Swelling of eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness and soreness
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Pain or discomfort around the eyes
Types of Epiphora
There are two types of epiphora such as follows:
- Reflex epiphora: This type of epiphora occurs when the eyes produce excessive tears due to irritants such as wind, smoke, bright light, etc.
- Obstructive epiphora: Obstructive epiphora occurs when the tears do not drain completely due to a blockage in the tear ducts.
What Causes Epiphora?
There can be several reasons for epiphora. Some of them are listed below:
- Eye infections: Eye infections can cause swelling and irritation of tear ducts. This can lead to watery eyes and other signs such as sensitivity to light, redness, etc.
- Blocked drainage of tears: Blocking of tear ducts is very common in babies as their tear ducts do not develop completely. But blocked tear drainage can also occur in older adults. Due to this, tears cannot drain completely and they spill on the face.
- Eyelid or eyelash problems: Watery eyes can be caused by various eyelid problems such as entropion, ectropion, and trichiasis.
- Reflex tears: Reflex tears get triggered when your eyes are exposed to irritants such as smoke, wind, debris, onion fumes, etc. Reflex tears are produced in large amounts to flush away those irritants from your eyes.
- Eye injuries: Any injury to the eye such as corneal abrasion, scratches, etc. can also lead to watery eyes.
- Changes in eyelid structure: When you blink your eyelids, your tears get evenly swiped on your eyes. But if there are any changes in the functioning and structure of eyelids, this can trigger epiphora.
Along with the above causes, there can also be other factors that cause epiphora such as:
- Dry eyes
- Sinus
- Using digital devices for a long time
- Injury to the face or nose
- Cold
- Corneal infection
- Styes
- Chalazion
- Flu
- Use of certain medications
Diagnosis of Epiphora
The eye specialist will conduct a physical examination to examine your eyes and determine the cause. The doctor also reviews your medical history and will ask you about your signs. During the physical examination, the doctor tries to identify the signs of infection, inflammation, etc.
The doctor may also use other specialised tests to determine the cause of epiphora. The tests include:
- Tear break-up time test
- Eye culture
- Schirmer’s test
- Fluorescein staining
- Lacrimal drainage system irrigation
Treatment for Epiphora
The treatment for epiphora or watery eyes is based on the underlying cause of the condition. If the epiphora is mild, you do not need any treatment and it goes on its own. But if the signs are severe, then the doctor provides a treatment plan. The treatment options include:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed if the condition is caused by an infection. The antibiotics help to clear the infection.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines are prescribed if watery eyes are caused by an allergy.
- Decongestants: These are used when epiphora is caused by nasal congestion.
- Artificial tears: If epiphora is caused by dry eye syndrome, then artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and can reduce your signs.
- Surgery: Surgery is performed if watery eyes are caused by the blockage in your tear ducts. Surgery focuses on fixing the issue by clearing the blockage.
Looking for Watery Eyes Treatment in Hyderabad? Visit Think Eye Hospital Today
If you have been suffering from the signs of watery eyes, then doctors at Think Eye Hospital can help you. Think Eye has been treating various eye problems for all age groups for several years. We use the latest in the technology to ensure you are in safe hands. Our aim is to offer affordable and safe treatments for everyone who visits us. To know more or to schedule your appointment, call us today.
