Epiphora (Excessive Tearing)
Epiphora is excessive tearing or watery eyes caused by overproduction of tears or poor drainage. It may result from eye irritation, allergies, infections, or blockage of the tear drainage system.
🚨 Seek Urgent Eye Care
Get immediate medical attention if you have:
- Severe eye pain with excessive tearing.
- Sudden vision loss or blurred vision.
- Eye injury or foreign body exposure.
- Thick yellow or green discharge.
- Swelling around the eye with fever.
📞 Consult an Eye Specialist
Seek medical advice if:
- Watery eyes persist for more than a few days.
- Symptoms interfere with vision or daily activities.
- Recurrent eye irritation or redness occurs.
- Epiphora is present in infants or older adults.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Excessive tearing | Dry eye syndrome |
| Watery eyes with redness | Conjunctivitis |
| Constant tearing in one eye | Blocked tear duct |
| Burning or itching eyes | Eye allergies |
| Sticky discharge with tearing | Eye infection |
Causes by Category
Allergies: Pollen, dust, or irritants stimulate tear production.
Infections: Conjunctivitis increases tearing.
Dry eye reflex: Eyes overcompensate for dryness.
Blocked tear duct: Common cause in infants and adults.
Age-related narrowing: Tear ducts become less efficient.
Injury or scarring: Affects tear drainage pathways.
Foreign bodies: Dust or particles in the eye.
Contact lens use: Can irritate the cornea.
Environmental exposure: Wind, smoke, or pollution.
Diagnostic Procedures
Eye Examination
Assesses tear production and eye surface health.
Fluorescein Test
Checks corneal damage or irritation.
Tear Drainage Test
Evaluates blockage in tear ducts.
Allergy Testing
Identifies allergens causing eye irritation.
