Dealing with Excessive Tearing: What It Could Indicate and How to Manage It

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Causes of Excessive Tearing

Excessive tearing can be due to various causes. Here are the most common ones.

Blocked Tear Ducts

The human eye has a tiny system of drains that move tears across the eye's surface into the nose. If these channels become blocked, the tears have nowhere to go but outward and down the cheek.

Allergies

You may notice that your eyes start gushing if you are around specific allergens (e.g., dust, pet dander, or pollen). Certain irritants in the environment can also stimulate excessive tear production, such as smoke, strong fragrances, or irritating chemicals.

Eye Infections

Eye infections like conjunctivitis (commonly known as 'pink eye') can lead to over-tearing. Accompanied by symptoms such as redness, itching, or burning sensation, these infections ramp up tear production as a defensive mechanism.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Although tearing is a normal body function, particularly during intense emotional moments or when facing harsh weather conditions, abnormal and persistent tearing can indicate a deeper issue.

Don’t ignore signs such as a change in vision, severe eye pain, redness, swelling, or an unusual discharge is critical, as they could be symptoms of more serious eye disorders. In such cases, you should seek medical attention promptly.

Management and Self-Care

If you are dealing with excessive tearing, ensure that you maintain good eye hygiene. Keep the eye area clean and free from unnecessary touch. Applying a warm compress to your eyes can provide relief, particularly for those dealing with blocked ducts.

If allergies or infections cause your watery eyes, treating them could provide a great deal of relief. Antihistamines can control allergy responses, and over-the-counter eye drops may help with symptoms. However, you should always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new medicine, given the delicacy of your eyes.

If tearing is persistent and won't respond to other treatments, surgical intervention may be required. Surgical options range from minor procedures to open blocked ducts to more complex surgeries to create a new tear drain.

Prevention and Ongoing Eye Health

Preventing excessive tearing involves good eye-care routines. Protective eyewear can shield your eyes from harmful UV radiation, dirt, irritants, or injuries. Additionally, following a good eye hygiene routine can prevent infections.

Regular eye exams are not just for those who need glasses or contact lenses. These exams can detect issues at their early stages and allow you to address them before they become serious.