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

Have you ever experienced tears flowing from your eyes without crying or laughing? Sometimes this can be very annoying, right? It's like turning on a tap and you can't do anything. That's what we call `(Epiphora)` in medicine. Simply put, this is the constant flow of tears from your eyes.

So, what exactly is `(Epiphora)`?

Normally, our eyes produce tears. This is very important. Because these tears keep our eyes moist and healthy, and protect them from things like dust that get into the eyes. However, in a condition called ``Epiphora'', either our eyes produce more tears than they should, or the tears that do form fill the inside of the eye instead of draining properly. This is why our eyes start watering all the time.

This can sometimes be a temporary condition that goes away without any treatment. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a serious eye infection or a blocked tear duct. So if your eyes are constantly watering or your vision is getting blurry, it's definitely time to see a doctor.

Who is most likely to develop this condition (Epiphora)?

Actually, this can happen to anyone. We all experience watery eyes at some point in our lives. However, constant watery eyes, a condition called chronic `(Epiphora),` are more common in young children and people over the age of 50.

What other symptoms do you experience besides watery eyes?

The main symptom is constant tearing from the eyes. Sometimes it can happen in just one eye, which we call ``Unilateral epiphora``. If both eyes water at the same time, it is ``Bilateral epiphora``.

However, depending on the cause, you may experience other symptoms. For example:

• Feeling pain in the eyes.
• Feeling like rubbing your eyes.
• The eyes are red.
• Vision is a little blurry and unclear.
• Some people may experience sinus headaches that come with sinus problems.

Imagine, while you're walking down the street, suddenly a speck of dust gets in your eye, and then your eyes start to water, turn red, and start to itch. That's what an experience like this can be like.

What are the main causes of watery eyes?

Watery eyes are usually a sign of another underlying problem. Let's look at some of the main causes:

• Allergies: Some people are allergic to things like dust, smoke, pollen, and certain foods, right? In such cases, their eyes may water.
• Eyelid Infection (Blepharitis): This is an infection that causes swelling of the eyelid margin.
• Nasolacrimal duct obstruction: The tears that form in our eyes drain into the nose through the tear ducts. If these ducts become blocked, tears can build up inside the eye. This is quite common in young children, but it usually goes away on its own.
• Dry eyes: Surprisingly, even when your eyes are dry, you can sometimes produce more tears. This is called reflex tearing. Because your eyes are dry, your brain sends signals to your eyes to make more tears.
• Eyelid Styes (Styes/Chalazions): These can be small, painful or painless lumps that develop on the eyelid.
• Entropion: Sometimes, especially as we age, the lower eyelid turns inward and rubs against the eyeball. This can also cause watery eyes.

In addition to this, `(Epiphora)` can also be caused by eye injuries:

• When things in the environment like smoke and air pollution get in your eyes.
• Corneal abrasions.
• If things like dust, dirt, or chemicals get in your eyes for too long.

Also, red eyes (conjunctivitis) (also called sore eyes) or infections such as sinus infections (sinusitis) can cause watery eyes.

How is this condition `(Epiphora)` diagnosed?

When you see a doctor or an ophthalmologist, they will examine your eyes. They may put a special colored liquid (`dye`) in your eye and watch how it drains with your tears. This liquid should usually drain with your tears within a few minutes. If it doesn't, you may have a blocked tear duct.

You can also do things like this to check further:

• An X-ray examination.
• A `CT scan` test.

If a problem with the tear ducts or sinuses is suspected, the doctor may insert an endoscope, a long, flexible tube with a camera attached, into the nose to look inside.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment for watery eyes depends on the cause. For many people, this is temporary and goes away without any treatment.

Your doctor will tell you what treatment you need. The most common treatments are:

• Medications: If it is due to an allergy, appropriate medications will be given. If it is an infection, antibiotics will be given. If the eyes are dry, artificial tears or other special eye drops may be given.
• Removing objects from the eye: If something has fallen into the eye, or if something has hit the eye and injured it, the doctor will remove it and provide the necessary treatment. Sometimes, surgery may be required for severe injuries.
• Opening blocked tear ducts: If the tear ducts are blocked, the doctor may try to flush them (with a saline solution) to remove the blockage. Or, they may try to open the ducts with a small instrument (a probe). If these methods don't work, surgery may be needed to create a new passageway (a procedure called a dacryocystorhinostomy or DCR).
• Correcting the shape of the eyes or eyelids: If epiphora is caused by a problem with the shape of the eyes or eyelids (such as entropion), it can be corrected with surgery.

How to manage symptoms?

Your doctor will tell you how to manage your symptoms. If medication is prescribed, you should take it exactly as directed, for the number of times prescribed.

Especially when taking antibiotics, even if your symptoms subside, you should take them for the full duration prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, the infection may come back, get worse, or spread to other parts of your body.

Another thing, it's best not to rub your eyes. Doing so can make the problem worse. When wiping away tears, gently wipe them with a tissue or a clean cloth. Don't rub the tissue inside your eyelids.

Can the risk of Epiphora be reduced?

Sometimes, depending on the cause of your watery eyes, there may be no way to stop them. For example, if you are allergic to dust or smoke, it may be difficult to stop your eyes from watering at such times.

However, be sure to wear safety glasses when working or playing sports that could be dangerous to your eyes. If you have allergies, stay away from those things as much as possible. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent this condition in the future.

What can someone with `(Epiphora)` expect?

Epiphora is often temporary. Sometimes, it's just a temporary condition that occurs during allergies or while the eye heals from an injury. However, even if you need treatment, you can expect your watery eyes to improve. Talk to your doctor about what to expect based on the cause of your condition.

Can't go to work or school?

Most likely, this will not happen. However, if you have had eye surgery or if your vision is severely affected by watery eyes, you may not be able to go to work or class for a few days. You should talk to your doctor before you start doing things like exercise again after surgery.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor:

• Severe pain in the eyes.
• If the eyes are swollen.
• If you feel or see a lump inside the eye or on the eyelid.
• If your eyes water constantly, all the time.
• If you notice a change in your vision, or if you are having difficulty seeing clearly due to watery eyes.

Most importantly: If you have a serious eye injury, or if you suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes, you should go to a hospital immediately.

What should I ask the doctor?

It's a good idea to ask these questions when you see your doctor:

• "Why are my eyes watering like this, doctor?"
• "What tests will I have to do?"
• "Will I need any treatment?"
• "If I need to take medicine, how long should I take it?"
• "What can I do to prevent this from happening in the future?"

Are `(Epiphora)` and `(Lacrimation)` two different things?

Yes, there is a slight difference between the two. ``Lacrimation`` refers to the healthy, normal production of tears in our eyes. These tears are what keep our eyes moist and protect them.

There are two types of tear-producing glands in our eyes. One is the main gland that produces tears when things like dust get in the eye, or when we cry. The other is the smaller gland that helps keep the eye moist.

However, `(Epiphora)` refers to excessive production of tears, or to the fact that the tears that are produced do not drain properly and accumulate inside the eye.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

So, you probably understand that while watery eyes are normal at times, there can be various reasons behind it.

• If tears constantly come from your eyes without crying or laughing, it could be `(Epiphora)`.
• There are many reasons for this; things like allergies, infections, blocked tear ducts, and dry eyes.
• Most of the time, this is not serious and may even get better on its own.
• However, if it persists, if your eyes hurt, are swollen, or your vision becomes blurry, you should definitely seek medical advice.
• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully, especially when using medications.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.

Don't worry, most of the time this condition can be managed well. The most important thing is to take care of your eyes!

` Tears, Eye Diseases, Epiphora, Allergies, Tear Ducts, Eye Infections, Eye Health