What are the causes of watery eyes?
There are three main causes, which may simultaneously occur.
-overproduction of tears
-tears not reaching the tear duct to be drained away
-blocked or narrowed tear duct
Each will be covered below.
What causes overproduction of tears?
Tearing/watering is usually a reflex to protect the eyes. The most common cause is paradoxically dry eyes. If the quality of the tears is poor they evaporate quickly and the eyes dry out so the tear glands produce more tears to try to combat the drying. Wind and raised body temperature can accelerate this evaporation and therefore worsen watering. Hydration, diet, eyelid hygiene and warm compresses can improve the quality of the tears. Lubricants can also help but do not treat the underlying problem.
Other causes included irritation of the eyes from both the outside and the inside. Outside causes include ingrowing eyelashes or allergies. Inside causes include infections or inflammation.
What prevents the tears from reaching the tear ducts?
The tear ducts sit in the inner corner of the eye on the upper lid and lower lid. Most of the drainage occurs in the lower lid tear duct. If the lower eyelid is low, the tears can struggle to reach the tear ducts. If the tissue over the eye is loose, it can sit on top of the tear duct and prevent it draining. If the tear duct is not sitting against the eye (‘ectropion’) then they will not be able to drain tears away and the entrance to the tear ducts can shrink from lack of use. These issues can be treated surgically.
What causes a blocked or narrowed tear duct?
Often there is no known cause. Mr Lin has conducted studies and we now know that some facial anatomy configurations predispose to this problem. Certain infections or eye drops can block the tears ducts. The mainstay of treatment is surgical with an operation known as a dacryocystorhinostomy.
What is the treatment for watery eyes?
Treatment will depend on the cause. Mr Lin will examine your eyes, eyelids and tear ducts to determine which of the factors mentioned above are the cause and how these are treated.