Watery Eyes

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Watery Eyes

What are Watery Eyes?

Watery eyes occur when excess lacrimal fluid (tear fluid) accumulates on the surface of the eye and overflows onto the cheek. The lacrimal fluid is essential for eye health, as it helps lubricate the eye's surface and protect it from irritants. When the tear drainage system does not function properly, this fluid cannot drain into the nasal cavity and causes watery eyes.

What Causes Watery Eyes?

Watery eyes are primarily caused by:

  • Excess lacrimal fluid production: When the drainage duct, responsible for moving the fluid into the nasal cavity, is blocked or not functioning properly.
  • Nasal infections or conjunctivitis: Conditions that can interfere with normal tear drainage.
  • Eye trauma: Injury to the eye or surrounding structures may result in a blockage of the tear ducts.

How Can Watery Eyes Be Prevented?

While most cases of watery eyes cannot be fully prevented, there are some steps that can help reduce the risk:

  • Treat nasal infections or conjunctivitis promptly to avoid complicating tear drainage.
  • Avoid eye trauma: Protecting the eyes from injury can prevent blockages in the tear duct.

Symptoms

In addition to excessive tearing, other symptoms of watery eyes may include:

  • Excessive mucus in and around the eyes.
  • Eye irritation and inflammation, particularly in the corners of the eyes.
  • Infection: Lacrimal fluid accumulation can lead to infection, causing pain and inflammation at the inner corner of the eyelids.

Associated Treatments

The primary treatment for blocked tear ducts is surgical intervention:

  1. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): A procedure to create a new tear duct, allowing tears to drain properly. Small silicone tubes are temporarily inserted to keep the duct open during the healing process.
  2. Artificial drainage tubes: In cases where tear duct reconstruction is not possible, an artificial drainage tube may be implanted.

Both surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, requiring no hospitalization. Recovery typically takes about one week. Treatment for tear duct problems is usually handled by oculoplastic surgeons, who specialize in disorders of the eyelids, lacrimal system, orbit, and related facial structures.

Conclusion

Watery eyes can significantly impact both the visual and psychological well-being of individuals, affecting quality of life. Fortunately, surgical treatments, such as dacryocystorhinostomy, are highly effective in over 90% of cases, offering relief for those experiencing persistent symptoms.