What Causes Excessive Tearing?

Watery eyes describe a condition where the eyes produce excessive amounts of tears. This can happen in people of all ages for a variety of reasons. Some are minor, but others may be more significant and require medical attention.

Excessive Tearing Causes

Certain types of medications can cause watery eyes. They include epinephrine, echothiophate iodide drops, pilocarpine drops, and chemotherapy drugs.  Radiation therapy can also increase your risk of excessive tearing. Non-medication related causes include

• Tear duct blockages
• Common cold
• Allergies and hay fever
• Eye scratch or damage
• Eyelid that’s turned out or in
• Corneal ulcer
• Infection in tear duct
• Ingrown eyelash
• Inflamed cornea
• Foreign object in eye
• Contact with a chemical substance
• Trachoma (bacterial infection)
• Eye injury

Watery eyes can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition. You may be more likely to develop excessive tearing if you are diagnosed with:

• Chronic sinusitis
• Bell’s palsy
• Facial nerve palsy
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Thyroid disorder
• Tumor

How to Treat Watery Eyes

The best treatment plan for watery eyes will depend on what’s causing the condition. You may need prescription eye drops, antibiotics, or a medication to help reduce allergy symptoms. If a tear duct is blocked, then you may need surgery. Scratches, burns, or injuries should be treated accordingly to allow healing that will eventually correct the problem.

Your ophthalmologist can provide more information and recommend an effective treatment plan for watery eyes. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey, Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians today to schedule an appointment.