Epiphora, also called watering eyes, is a condition that involves an increase in tears spilling onto the face. This can happen when there is either an overproduction of tears or not enough drainage from the nasolacrimal system. Tears need to be able to drain properly through the nose and eyelids in order to avoid spilling out of the eye.

What is Watery Eyes?

Tears are essential for the healthy maintenance of the eye and clear vision. Too many tears, on the other hand, may make it hard to see certain objects or focus on your target. This can be challenging while driving or doing any other tasks that require clear vision. Epiphora (or overflow of tears) can happen at any stage of life but is most common in children aged less than 12 months and adults aged 60+ years old. The condition may affect only one eye or both eyes. On the other hand, it may be possible to effectively treat this condition.

Causes of Watering Eyes

There are many potential causes of watering eyes, including:

Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause the release of histamines, which can lead to watering eyes.
Eye irritants: Substances like smoke, wind, dust, or chlorine can irritate the eyes and cause them to water.
Dry eye: This condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, leading to irritation and watery eyes.
Blocked tear ducts: When the ducts that carry tears away from the eyes become blocked, tears can build up and cause watering eyes.
Eye infections: Bacterial or viral infections of the eye can cause inflammation and lead to watering eyes.

Symptoms of Watery Eyes

Watering eyes is a symptom that can be caused by a number of different conditions. It can be a temporary condition, such as when you have allergies or a cold, or it can be a chronic condition, such as dry eye syndrome. Watering eyes can also be a sign of an eye infection.

Itching: Itching is a common symptom of watery eyes, but it can also be caused by other conditions. If your itching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as allergies, it’s important to see an allergist to find out what’s causing your symptoms.
Redness: Redness in the eyes can be a symptom of several different conditions, ranging from watery eyes to infection. If you experience redness in your eyes, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine the cause. Watery eyes can be a common cause of redness in the eyes. You may also experience itching, swelling, and tearing. Infection is another possible cause of redness in the eyes. viruses or bacteria can cause infection, and symptoms may include fever, pain, discharge, and crusting around the eyelashes.
Cold: Watering eyes is a common symptom of colds and allergies. When your body is fighting off a cold, your tear ducts may produce more tears than usual. Allergies can also cause watering eyes. If you have allergies, you may be sensitive to pollen, dust, or other irritants in the air. These substances can cause your eyes to water.
Allergies: There are many different allergies that can cause watering eyes as a symptom. Allergies to pollen, dust, animal dander, and mold are some of the most common culprits. Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are especially troublesome for many people.

Watering eyes can also be a sign of an eye infection, such as pink eye. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness and swelling of the eyes. If you suspect you have an eye infection, it's important to see a doctor right away for treatment.

If you have watering eyes, you may also notice other symptoms, such as itching, redness, and swelling. If you have an infection, you may also have discharge from your eyes. If you have chronic watering eyes, you may also experience blurred vision.

How to Treat and Prevent Watering Eyes

Watering eyes is a common problem, and can be caused by many different things. Treating watering eyes depends on the underlying cause.

Common causes of watering eyes include: allergies, irritants (such as smoke or wind), dry eye, blocked tear ducts, and certain medications. Allergies are the most common cause of watering eyes.

There are several things you can do to prevent or treat watering eyes:

If you have allergies, avoid triggers and use over-the-counter or prescription allergy medication.
If your eyes are irritated by smoke or wind, try to avoid these triggers. You can also use artificial tears to help soothe your eyes.
If you have dry eye, use artificial tears frequently and talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
If your tear ducts are blocked, your doctor may recommend treatments to unblock them. This may include massaging the area around your eye or using a warm compress.
If you are taking certain medications that can cause watering eyes as a side effect, speak to your doctor about other options. They may be able to prescribe a different medication that doesn’t have this side effect.

Conclusion

If you have watering eyes, it could be due to a number of different causes. However, the most common cause is allergies. If you have allergies, your body produces histamines in response to the allergens, and these histamines can cause your eyes to water. Other possible causes of watering eyes include eye infections, dry eye syndrome, and certain medications. If you're not sure what's causing your watering eyes, it's best to see an eye doctor so they can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.