Watery eyes, or tearing, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. While tears are essential for keeping our eyes lubricated and healthy, excessive tearing can be bothersome and sometimes indicate an underlying issue. Understanding why your eyes are tearing up is the first step towards finding relief.
There are several reasons why your eyes might be producing more tears than usual. In many cases, the cause is related to how tears are produced and drained from the eye.
One of the most frequent culprits, especially in infants and young children, is blocked tear ducts. Tear ducts are small channels that drain tears away from the eyes and into the nose. Imagine them like tiny drainpipes for your eyes. In newborns, these ducts may not be fully developed, leading to a buildup of tears. This blockage can also occur in adults due to injury, infection, or inflammation. Instead of draining normally through the puncta, the small openings in the inner eyelids, and down the nasolacrimal duct, tears overflow onto the face.
For older adults, sagging eyelids due to aging can also contribute to watery eyes. As the skin around the eyes loses elasticity, the eyelids may droop slightly, pulling them away from the surface of the eyeball. This sagging makes it harder for tears to enter the puncta and drain effectively, resulting in tear buildup and overflow.
Paradoxically, dry eyes are another common cause of tearing. When the surface of the eye is dry and irritated, the eyes may overcompensate by producing excessive tears in an attempt to lubricate themselves. This reflex tearing can be a surprising cause of watery eyes, as it seems counterintuitive.
Furthermore, any form of eye surface irritation or inflammation can trigger increased tear production. This includes:
- Foreign objects: Even tiny particles of dust, dirt, or eyelashes can irritate the eye and cause tearing as the eye tries to flush out the irritant.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, pet dander, or dust mites can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids), leading to itchy, watery eyes.
- Viral or bacterial infections: Infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) can inflame the eye and trigger excessive tearing, often accompanied by redness, discharge, and discomfort.
Certain medications can also list watery eyes as a side effect. Some common culprits include:
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Specific eye drops, such as echothiophate iodide, pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine), and epinephrine.
It’s important to note that while many causes of watery eyes are benign and temporary, persistent or excessive tearing can sometimes signal a more serious underlying condition.
When to Consult a Doctor
While home remedies like warm compresses and over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can sometimes provide relief for mild cases of watery eyes, it’s crucial to seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:
- Watery eyes that persist for more than a few days.
- Tearing accompanied by pain, redness, or blurred vision.
- Discharge from the eye (pus or mucus).
- Sensitivity to light.
- The sensation of something being stuck in your eye.
A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause of your watery eyes and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may range from simple home care to prescription eye drops or, in rare cases, surgical intervention. Understanding the reasons behind “Why Are My Eyes Tearing Up” empowers you to take the right steps towards clear and comfortable vision.
References
- Watering eyes. National Health Service. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/watering-eyes/. Accessed May 2, 2024.
- Adult tearing. American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. https://www.asoprs.org/adult-tearing. Accessed May 2, 2024.
- Tearing (epiphora). Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye-disorders/symptoms-of-ophthalmic-disorders/tearing. Accessed May 2, 2024.
- Tearing. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/symptoms/tearing. Accessed May 2, 2024.
- Coats DK, et al. Approach to the child with persistent tearing. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 2, 2024.
- Chodnicki KD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 3, 2024.
