Watery Eyes Causes

Clinically, watery eyes is known as epiphora. This condition is more prevalent in children and the aged, but it can occur at any age. This condition mainly comes about due to the inability of the tear ducts to function normally.

Watery eyes is not a medical emergency and can be treated easily. In most cases, malfunction of the tear ducts triggers this problem. In some, however, medical conditions may be responsible.

Common medical conditions that might trigger the problem of watery eyes include:

Surprisingly, one of the reasons for having watery eyes is dry eye or dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome makes the eyes sore, uncomfortable and too much dry and this causes excessive secretion of tears.

The glands that produce tears are present above eyes. When tears are produced, they flow into the tear ducts in eyelids and make their way out through the eyes. They then continue into the nasolacrimal duct which is found on the inside of the nose, and then make their way out through the nose (that is the reason our nose starts to run when we are crying).

When there is abnormal functioning of the tear glands or the pathway through which the tears pass is blocked, the excess tears cannot pass to the nose and flow out in excess from the corner of the eyes.

Blepharitis is basically inflammation of eyelids which causes dysfunction of the glands present at the boundaries of the eyelids where the eyelashes grow. The malfunction of these glands causes growth of certain bacteria near the roots of eyelashes, which leads to watery eyes, scaly red eyelids and loss of eyelashes.

Conjunctivitis or "pink eye", is an infection of a membrane known as conjunctiva  present near the lining of the eyelids. Viral or bacterial infection, exposure to certain chemicals, use of contact lenses, etc are some of the causes of conjunctivitis. The symptoms of conjunctivitis include, blurred vision, eye pain, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, etc.

Anything that irritates the eye, leads to production of tears. When any foreign particle enters the eye, it causes irritation in the eye. This foreign particle can be dust, smoke, pollen, smog, wind, etc.

The medical term used to define ingrowing eyelashes is trichiasis. Trichiasis is characterized by eyelashes that grow such that they point towards the eye-ball. In addition to watery eyes, eye redness, eye discomfort and irritation of the eye-ball, are some other symptoms of trichiasis.

• Eye allergies
• Irregular growth of eyelids
• Old age

The cause needs to be ascertained so that the right kind of treatment can be prescribed. Antibiotic or other medical eye drops are usually prescribed for allergies and other eye infections. Along with that, lubricating eye drops are used for the treatment of dry eyes.

If mucus is present in the eyes, then it indicates blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. Eye allergies can be treated by using antihistamines. Surgery, as an option, is only looked into if it is an inward turned eyelid or there is blockage of the tear ducts. These are minor procedures and are considered fairly routine.

If you find the problem becoming persistent and causing a lot of discomfort, visit your eye doctor to get a checkup done and determine the kind of treatment that needs to be carried forth.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.