Do you have frequent tears in your eyes? Let's talk about Epiphora

We all cry when we feel sad or very happy. It's very normal. But do you ever have times when tears just flow from your eyes for no particular reason? Do you sometimes feel like your eyes are filled with tears and like a faucet has been turned on? If so, then it might be something to be concerned about. In medicine, we call this condition epiphora . Today, we'll talk about it in a simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Epiphora?

Normally, our eyes produce tears. These tears keep our eyes moist and healthy and wash away things like dust that get into our eyes. In other words, tears are like a protector for our eyes.

However, the condition called epiphora occurs for two main reasons. Think of it like a sink in our kitchen.

1. Excessive tear production: Just like turning on the faucet in the sink and filling it with water, for some reason the tear glands in your eyes produce more tears than they should .

2. Tears not draining properly: Just as a clogged drain in a sink causes water to overflow, when the delicate system of tubes (tear ducts) that drain the tears in our eyes becomes clogged, tears start to fill the eyes and flow out.

You may experience epiphora due to one or both of these reasons.

Who is affected the most by this situation?

In fact, this condition can affect anyone of any age. At some point in our lives, we've all had moments where tears just flowed from our eyes.

But this is a chronic condition that is most often seen between two groups.

• Young babies: Some newborn babies' tear ducts are not fully open, so they may have frequent tears. But don't worry, this condition usually resolves on its own within the first year.
• People over 50: As we age, the function of our tear duct system can change. The ducts are more likely to become narrowed or blocked.

Is the only symptom of tears coming from the eyes?

No. The main symptom is tearing. However, depending on the cause, you may experience several other symptoms. If tears are coming from only one eye, we call it unilateral epiphora. If it is coming from both eyes, it is called bilateral epiphora.

Let's see what other symptoms can accompany this condition.

Why is this happening? What are the main reasons?

Okay, now let's look at the main reasons why tears can flow from the eyes in this way.

1. Situations where tears are produced excessively

This means that your eyes produce more tears for protection in response to some reason.

• Allergies : If your eyes are sensitive to things like dust, pollen , and animal dander, they may become red, itchy, and teary.
• Dry Eyes : This may sound a bit strange, right? If your eyes are dry, how do you get tears? This is what happens. Because your eyes are not properly moistened, your brain gets a signal that your eyes are dry. The brain then tells your tear glands, "Okay, make tears now." But the tears that are produced are less oily, so they drain faster than they should.
• Something getting into the eye: If something like a dust particle, an insect, or an eyelash gets into the eye, tears come out as a defense mechanism to flush it out.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections , such as conjunctivitis, which we know as "eye disease," can cause red eyes and watery eyes.
• Eyelid problems: Blepharitis, an infection of the eyelid margin, and entropion, an inward-curving eyelid that causes discomfort when the eyelids rub against the eye, can also cause tears.

2. When tears don't flow properly

This means that even though the amount of tears produced is normal, they remain in the eye and drain out due to a blockage in the drainage system.

• Blocked Tear Ducts: This is the main cause. These ducts can become blocked at birth (like in babies) or later in life, due to an infection or injury.
• Eyelid cysts: Styes or chalazions, which are small cysts that form on the eyelids, can also put pressure on the tear ducts and cause blockage.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you see a doctor, especially an eye specialist , the first thing he or she will do is ask you questions and carefully examine your eyes.

In addition, tests like these can be done to find the exact cause:

• Dye Disappearance Test: In this test, your doctor will put a harmless, colored drop into your eye. The dye should usually disappear with your tears within a few minutes. If it doesn't disappear, it could indicate a blocked tear duct.
• Probing and Irrigation: Sometimes a very fine instrument (probe) is inserted to try to open the tear duct. A saline solution may also be used to flush out the blockage.
• Scans: Rarely, an X-ray or CT scan may be recommended to pinpoint the cause of the blockage.

What are the treatments for this?

The good news is that this condition can often be cured. However, treatment depends entirely on the cause . That's why treatment varies from person to person.

What should I be concerned about?

• Do not rub your eyes for any reason. Doing so can make the condition worse. It can also transfer germs from your hands to your eyes, causing an infection.
• If you need to wipe away tears, use a clean cloth or tissue and gently dab the wetness under your eye . Do not put the tissue inside your eye.
• If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take them for the exact number of days prescribed, even if your symptoms improve. Otherwise, the infection may return.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

Usually, watery eyes are not an emergency. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

• If you have severe eye pain .
• If there is swelling around the eyes.
• If you notice any changes in your vision (blurring, double vision).
• If you feel something like a lump or tumor on your eye or eyelid.
• If the tears are so severe that you have difficulty seeing clearly .

Epiphora, watery eyes, blocked tear duct, eye diseases, allergies