WATERY EYE

The eye normally produces tears to lubricate the cornea and conjunctiva, while also flushing away debris. To prevent overflowing, there must be a balance between tear production and drainage. When this balance is disrupted, the patient suffers from watery eyes, medically known as epiphora.

Beyond persistent tearing, patients may experience ocular irritation, redness, and blurred vision. The constant moisture can also lead to excoriation (chafing) of the surrounding skin. Furthermore, the condition carries a significant social burden, as the appearance of 'crying' can lead to awkward misunderstandings and emotional distress in public settings.

Epiphora has many causes. Anything that affects the balance between tear production and drainage can cause epiphora.

• Increased tear production: Due to dry eye, irritation, allergens, or conjunctivitis
• Drainage disorders: Due to narrowing/obstruction or abnormal position of the lacrimal punctum, obstruction, or stenosis of the nasolacrimal system
• Eyelid disorders: Due to eyelid laxity, entropion, ectropion and dermatochalasis (Wick syndrome)

Treatment is based on addressing the underlying condition that causes epiphora and can be both conservative and surgical.

• Conservative treatment: If the symptoms are mild, the use of artificial tears, lubricants and cleaning of the eyelids can help.
• Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment is recommended when conservative measures fail to address the problem. Depending on the underlying pathology, surgery is tailored for every patient and may vary from surgery on the eyelids to the lacrimal apparatus.