Epiphora, or watery eyes, is often linked with dry eye syndrome, creating a complex challenge for eye health. Our expert eye doctors specialize in effective treatments that enhance tear drainage and improve overall eye comfort.
Epiphora, commonly known as watery eyes, can sometimes be more than a temporary nuisance, especially when it coexists with dry eye syndrome. In some cases, the excessive tearing seen with epiphora is not due solely to overproduction but may also arise as a reflex response to dryness and irritation. Our eye doctors are here to explain how surgery for epiphora and the management of dry eye work together to improve overall eye comfort and function.
Epiphora is the medical term for having watery eyes, typically caused by an imbalance in the tear production and drainage system. Normally, tears lubricate and protect the surface of your eyes, but when tears either overproduce or cannot drain properly, they overflow. Dry eye syndrome, on the other hand, involves insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation, leading to irritation and a feeling of grittiness. While these conditions might seem oppositional, they can be interconnected, as the eye may produce reflex tears to compensate for dryness.
In many cases, chronic epiphora is seen in patients who also suffer from dry eye syndrome—a scenario that might seem contradictory but reflects the complex balance required for ocular surface health. For example, in a dry eye scenario, the eyes become so uncomfortable that they attempt to self-protect by producing more tears, resulting in watery eyes. Recognizing this duality is key in planning the most appropriate treatment, including both surgical and non-surgical options.
Understanding the causes of epiphora requires looking at two possible mechanisms: the overproduction of tears and problems with tear drainage. Excessive tearing might be triggered by:
Symptoms of epiphora include eyes that appear too wet or tearful, tears tracking down your face despite no emotional trigger, and blurred vision caused by the overflow of tears across the cornea. Dry eye syndrome, meanwhile, is often accompanied by a gritty or burning sensation, redness, and sensitivity to light. Patients may also report intermittent discomfort, especially after prolonged screen time or exposure to windy or dry environments.
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Diagnosis of these conditions begins with a thorough eye exam by our eye doctors. They will ask detailed questions about your symptoms and perform tests to understand both tear production and drainage capacity. For epiphora, one technique involves placing colored eye drops into the eye to observe how quickly the dye is washed away by your natural tears. If the dye lingers, it may indicate a blockage in the tear drainage system.
Additional imaging tests, such as X-rays or a CT scan, can help assess any structural issues in the nasolacrimal duct or surrounding tissues. For dry eye syndrome, our eye doctors might evaluate the tear film using a tear break-up time test or measure tear meniscus height to quantify tear quality and volume. Both sets of tests provide essential clues to tailor the best treatment plan to restore both the quantity and quality of your tears.
The treatment approach for epiphora and dry eye is deeply intertwined. When epiphora is caused by a blockage in the tear drainage system, surgical intervention may be required to restore proper flow. For other causes, managing dry eye can alleviate the reflex overproduction of tears.
Common treatment options include:
Dry eye syndrome is often managed with non-surgical therapies first. These include lifestyle modifications, the use of lubricating eye drops, and prescription medications to soothe inflammation. In some instances, procedures such as in-office heating and expression of the glands are recommended by our eye doctors to improve tear quality and reduce symptoms.
Contact us today to find a top optometrist near you and start your journey to better eye health.
Find top eye doctors to effectively treat epiphora and dry eye syndrome for improved eye comfort and function.
