Watery eyes

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• Y

External and internal eye anatomy

Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of the eye and to wash away particles and foreign bodies. Excessive tear production or improper drainage of the tear duct results in watery eyes.

Epiphora; Tearing - increased

Irritation, infection, and inward-growing eyelashes can cause watery eyes. An infection or blockage of the tear duct can also cause excessive watering of the eyes when tears do not drain normally through the nose.

Increased tearing sometimes accompanies yawning, vomiting, laughing, and eyestrain.

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 evaluations for tearing, is to check if the eyes are too dry!

• dry eyes
• clogged tear duct
• environmental irritants, including smog or chemicals in the air, exposure to hot wind, strong light, blowing dust, or airborne allergens
• blepharitis -- dandruff like substance on the eyelids that disrupts tears
• conjunctivitis (often accompanied by itching or redness)
• foreign bodies and abrasions
• allergy to mold, dander, dust
• eyelid turning inward or outward

Review Date: 11/14/2005
Reviewed By: Edward B. Feinberg, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.