What is Watery Eyes? Why Does It Happen?

Irrigation of the eyes can be defined as the constant moistness and wateriness of this organ. In some cases, this watering, known as epiphora, is so much that it begins to flow. If the lacrimal gland produces too many tears and these tears cannot drain properly, epiphora occurs. At the same time, not only excessive tear production but also excess fluid that cannot be removed due to blockage of the tear ducts overflows. Epiphora can be caused by many factors and conditions. In babies, this is usually the result of blocked ducts. In adults, there are multiple factors. Depending on the cause, epiphora may improve spontaneously, or serious treatment options such as surgery may be required.

Another cause of epiphora is dry eyes, and applying pressure with a damp cloth can help treat it. But if a blocked tear duct causes watering, it can be treated with surgery. It is necessary to be examined by a doctor for the appropriate treatment option. “What causes watery eyes?” You can follow the article for the answer to the question.

What Causes Watery Eyes?

Just above the eye there is a small gland called the lacrimal gland. The function of this gland is to constantly produce small amounts of tears. When you blink, the eyelid spreads tears to the front of the eye to keep it moist. The tears then drain into a sac through small holes called canaliculi on the inside of the eye. But in some cases, too much watering occurs. This watering, known as epiphora, occurs when tears are prevented from flowing as they should. Watery eyes may also occur as a symptom of diseases. While watery eyes can be a temporary condition, it is also a symptom of a serious infection or a blockage in the water channels. “What causes watery eyes?” Common causes of epiphora include:

• Allergies
• Dryness
• Conjunctivitis
• Clogged tear ducts
• Infections
• Being a baby or the elderly
• Blepharitis
• Stye
• Smoke and air pollution
• Corneal injuries
• Sinus infections
• Contact with foreign objects

What are the Symptoms of Watery Eyes?

Epiphora symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause. This condition can occur in one or both eyes and is usually a permanent condition. The main symptom of epiphora is tearing and excessive watering. The person's eyes may feel extremely moist and water may flow from there. Watering may only occur during allergy season or until recovery after being irritated by a foreign object. Epiphora can occur unilaterally or bilaterally. If a lump or swelling is felt or seen, a doctor should be consulted. At the same time, it is important to consult a healthcare institution as soon as possible if any change in vision is noticed or if there is a sudden loss of vision. Symptoms of epiphora are:

• Tears in the eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Sensitivity to light
• Sharp pain
< li>Dryness
• Redness
• Itching
• Irritation
• Blurred vision

What are the causes of watery eyes?

Epiphora can often be a sign of another underlying problem. “What causes watery eyes?” Problems that may cause this condition are:

• Excessive tear production: The eye creates a reaction upon contact with irritating substances. The resulting reflex is the cause of excessive tear production. Anything that irritates the eye can cause excessive tear production. This may cause watering when there are injuries or scratches in or near the eyes. Increased tears are a protective reflex that occurs to help remove irritating substances.
• Blocked tear drainage: The tear drainage system is located inside the upper and lower eyelids, close to the nose, called the punctum. It consists of a small opening. The punctum is the opening of a canal called the canaliculi, which connects to the tear duct. Blockage of the tear drainage system is especially common in babies whose tear ducts are not fully developed.
• Eyelid and eyelash problems: Various eyelid and eyelash problems are also the causes of watery eyes. One cause of watering is the lower eyelid curling inward and the lower lid and eyelashes touching the eye surface, or conversely, the eyelashes and lower lid curling outward. Apart from this, it is also possible to have a situation where the eyelashes grow towards the eye rather than outwards. In this case, the eyelashes may touch the eye and cause irritation.

Some other causes of excessive tear production are:

• Conjunctivitis caused by allergy or infection
• Exposure to substances such as onions or chlorine
• Irritation caused by dry eye syndrome
• Recurrent corneal erosion
• Epithelial basement membrane disease
• Contact with foreign objects
• Colds

How to Diagnose Watery Eyes?

The first step in diagnosing watery eyes is a thorough medical history review and examination. The doctor may also perform several tests to determine the cause of the symptoms. These tests are:

• Tear Breakup Time Test: This test analyzes the quality of the tear film covering the eye. If tears disappear too quickly, it indicates that the cornea is unprotected. Decreased tear breakdown time may be a sign of mucin deficiency or Meibomian gland disease.
• Dye Disappearance Test: For this test, the healthcare provider drops a body-safe dye into the corner of the eye. After five minutes the paint should be clear. If the dye remains, this means that there is a blockage in the drainage channels somewhere in the drainage system.
• Lacrimal Drainage Irrigation: For this test, a small syringe tip is gently inserted into the punctum. If there is no obstacle, the tip moves easily in the punctum. If fluid does not flow freely through the drainage system or if fluid comes back up, this indicates a blockage in the drainage channels. what-why-happens-2.jpg" alt="causes watery eyes" width="100%" />

  How to Treat Watery Eyes?

  Watering eyes treatment depends on how serious the problem is, its cause, and whether other symptoms are present. Treatment of epiphora focuses on resolving the underlying cause. Epiphora that is not due to serious causes may heal on its own. However, when healing does not occur, artificial tear drops may be prescribed by the doctor. There are also surgical procedures for tear duct obstruction. If the eyelid is everted, the patient may need to undergo surgery to tighten the tendon that holds the eyelid in place. These surgeries, called dacryocystorhinostomy, allow tears to pass through the blocked part of the tear duct. For this purpose, a new channel is made and the tears flow through this channel. But if the watering is caused by an infection, the doctor may perform a procedure to relieve the blockage by gently inserting a small instrument through the punctum, as in the lacrimal drainage irrigation test. If the person has an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

  What is good for watery eyes and how to cure it?

  There are some things that can be done to relieve epiphora. “How to relieve watery eyes?” Using a sterilized wipe to first mop up any leaking fluid can help eliminate the risk of infection. Because microorganism contamination that may occur while cleaning the liquid may cause the situation to worsen. At the same time, taking a break from reading, watching TV, or using the computer may also reduce symptoms. Holding a warm, damp cloth over the affected eye under the supervision of a doctor and massaging the lids to relieve blockages may also help the person. If epiphora is caused by allergies, less exposure to allergens and staying indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high may prevent watering from allergens. For blockages, a hot compress may be recommended by your healthcare professional.

  
  Tarih: 18/05/2023