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Watery eyes - Overview

Alternative Names

Epiphora; Tearing - increased

Definition of Watery eyes:

Watery eyes occur when there is too much tear production or poor drainage of the tear duct.

Common Causes:

Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of the eye and to wash away particles and foreign bodies.

Causes of watery eyes include:

  • Allergy to mold, dander, dust
  • Blepharitis
  • Blockage of the tear duct
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Environmental irritants (smog or chemicals in the air, wind, strong light, blowing dust)
  • Eyelid turning inward or outward
  • Foreign bodies and abrasions
  • Infection
  • Inward-growing eyelashes
  • Irritation

Increased tearing sometimes accompanies:

Oddly enough, one of the most common causes of excess tearing is dry eyes. Drying causes the eyes to become uncomfortable, which stimulates the body to produce too many tears. One of the main tests for tearing is to check whether the eyes are too dry.

  • Reviewed last on: 11/2/2009
  • Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hurwitz JJ. The lacrimal drainage system. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 12.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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