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What is Epiphora? Understanding Watery Eyes

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Excessive tearing or watery eyes can be more than just an inconvenience – it can affect your quality of life, cause embarrassment, and even lead to vision problems. This condition, medically known as epiphora, is something we see and treat regularly at Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinics in London, Chelmsford, and Hatfield. If you’re experiencing persistently watery eyes, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is the first step toward finding relief.

Understanding Epiphora

Epiphora is the medical term for watery eyes – a condition where tears continuously flow from the eyes, even when you’re not crying or experiencing emotion. Your eyes naturally produce tears to keep them lubricated and protected. Normally, these tears drain through tiny ducts at the inner corners of your eyes, through the tear sac, and down into your nose. However, when this system doesn’t function properly, tears can overflow onto your cheeks.

This condition can affect people of all ages but is particularly common in babies (due to underdeveloped tear ducts) and adults over 50 (as tear ducts may narrow with age). While not typically dangerous, persistent epiphora can cause considerable discomfort and social awkwardness.

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Epiphora Causes

Understanding what causes watery eyes is crucial for determining the right treatment. Common causes include:

Blocked Tear Ducts

The most frequent cause of epiphora is a blockage in the nasolacrimal duct, which prevents tears from draining properly. This can occur due to:

  • Age-related narrowing of the tear ducts
  • Scarring from previous infections
  • Nasal or facial trauma
  • Chronic inflammation

Tear Overproduction

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with drainage but with excessive tear production. This can happen due to:

  • Eye Irritation: Foreign objects, dust, or even an inward-growing eyelash can trigger reflex tearing
  • Infections: Conjunctivitis (pink eye) or keratitis can cause inflammation and increased tear production
  • Allergies: Hay fever or allergic reactions can lead to watery eyes
  • Dry Eye Syndrome: Paradoxically, dry eyes can stimulate excess tear production as a compensatory mechanism

Eyelid Problems

The position of your eyelids plays an important role in tear dynamics:

  • Entropion: When the eyelid turns inward, lashes can rub against the eye, causing irritation and watering
  • Ectropion: When the eyelid turns outward, it can’t properly distribute tears across the eye or guide them to drainage channels
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Epiphora Symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of epiphora can help determine when to seek professional help:

  • Constant tearing that may blur vision
  • Tears that stream down the face
  • Sticky discharge or crusting around the eyes
  • Redness and irritation of the eye and surrounding skin
  • Soreness or mild discomfort
  • Light sensitivity
  • Recurrent eye infections
  • Swelling near the inner corner of the eye (if infection develops in the tear sac)

Many patients report that epiphora affects their daily activities such as reading, driving, or using digital devices. Some feel embarrassed in social situations as others might think they are crying. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, our specialists at Blue Fin Vision® in London, Chelmsford, or Hatfield can provide a thorough assessment.

Diagnosing Epiphora

At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing the cause of your watery eyes. This typically includes:

  • A detailed medical history to understand your symptoms and identify potential triggers
  • A thorough eye examination to check for irritants, infection, or eyelid abnormalities
  • Tear duct evaluation to determine if blockages are present
  • Specialised tests to measure tear production and drainage

Our state-of-the-art facilities in London (Harley Street and Weymouth Street), Chelmsford, and Hatfield enable our specialist ophthalmologists to make accurate diagnoses and recommend appropriate treatments.

Epiphora Treatment Options

Treatment for epiphora depends on the underlying cause. Our specialists at Blue Fin Vision® offer various approaches:

Conservative Treatments

For mild cases or those caused by temporary irritation:

  • Warm Compresses: To relieve inflammation and promote drainage
  • Eye Drops: To treat infections or allergies
  • Eyelid Massage: Particularly helpful for babies with underdeveloped tear ducts
  • Addressing Underlying Conditions: Such as treating allergies or dry eye syndrome

Surgical Interventions

For persistent blockages, surgery may be necessary. Blue Fin Vision® specialises in the following procedures:

External Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

This traditional surgical approach creates a new passage between the tear sac and nose, bypassing the blocked tear duct. Our surgeons are highly experienced in this technique, which involves:

  • Making a small incision on the side of the nose
  • Creating a new connection between the tear sac and nasal cavity
  • Placing temporary tubes to maintain the new drainage pathway during healing

Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

This minimally invasive alternative uses an endoscope (a thin telescope) inserted through the nose, eliminating the need for external incisions. Benefits include:

  • No visible scarring
  • Reduced postoperative discomfort
  • Quicker recovery time
  • Excellent success rates

Our ophthalmic surgeons work collaboratively with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists to perform this procedure, which typically takes 45-60 minutes under general anaesthetic.

Punctoplasty

This minimally invasive surgical procedure to widen narrowed or blocked puncta (the small openings on the eyelid margins). By enlarging the punctal opening, punctoplasty restores normal tear drainage, providing rapid relief from watery eyes. This procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic and has a quick recovery time.

  • Restores normal tear drainage
  • Minimally invasive with minimal discomfort
  • Quick return to daily activities
  • Can be performed in conjunction with other procedures if required

Treatment for Eyelid Problems

If your epiphora is caused by eyelid malposition:

  • Minor surgical procedures can correct entropion or ectropion
  • Tightening the tendons that hold the eyelids in position can provide long-term relief

Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for Epiphora Treatment?

At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we understand how disruptive watery eyes can be to your daily life. Our approach to treating epiphora combines technical excellence with compassionate care:

  • Specialist Expertise: Our consultant ophthalmologists are leaders in the field of lacrimal disorders and have performed hundreds of successful procedures
  • Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis through to treatment and aftercare, we support you at every stage
  • Advanced Technology: Our clinics are equipped with the latest diagnostic and surgical equipment
  • Convenient Locations: With clinics in London (Harley Street, Weymouth Street), Essex (Chelmsford), and Hertfordshire (Hatfield), we provide accessible care across the Southeast

Our surgeons take the time to explain all treatment options, helping you make informed decisions about your eye health. We recognise that each patient’s experience with epiphora is unique, and we tailor our approach accordingly.

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Taking the Next Step

If you’re struggling with persistent watery eyes, don’t continue to suffer in silence. Epiphora is a treatable condition, and the sooner you seek expert help, the sooner you can find relief.

At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we’re committed to delivering exceptional eye care that helps our patients see clearly and comfortably. Our team of oculoplastic specialists are ready to assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

To book a consultation at any of our clinics in London, Chelmsford, or Hatfield, contact our friendly team today. Take the first step toward clearer vision and greater comfort by entrusting your eye health to the experts at Blue Fin Vision®.

Your vision is our priority – let us help you see the world clearly again.

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