Epiphora means watery eyes, where tears overflow down the cheek instead of draining normally. It can be annoying, blur vision, and cause skin soreness, especially in cold or windy weather.
Causes of epiphora
Watery eyes usually result from either too many tears or poor drainage. Often both play a part.
- Dry eye or irritation makes the eye reflexly produce extra tears.
- Narrow or blocked tear ducts stop normal drainage into the nose.
- Eyelid malposition can pull the drainage openings out of place.
- Infection or inflammation of the tear sac may also contribute.
- Assessment includes dye tests and sometimes imaging of the drainage system.
Treatment and relief
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Many people gain good control with simple measures or minor procedures.
- Lubricating drops and allergy treatment can calm reflex tearing.
- Eyelid problems may be corrected with small oculoplastic operations.
- Dacryocystorhinostomy surgery creates a new drainage pathway to the nose.
- Good lid hygiene helps in cases linked with blepharitis.
- Seek advice if tearing is constant, painful, or linked with repeated infections.
