Some Causes and Features of Watery Eyes
Cause |
Common Features* |
Disorders that cause excess tear production |
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Watering that is worse when eyes are exposed to cold or windy weather, cigarette smoke, or dry heat A feeling of something in the eye (foreign object [body] sensation) that comes and goes, especially toward the end of the day |
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Irritation of the eye surface due to
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Eye redness In people with allergic conjunctivitis, itching In people with an inwardly turned eyelid and eyelashes, often a sensation of grittiness or something in the eye In people with corneal scratch or foreign body, pain, light sensitivity, and a sensation of grittiness or something in the eye |
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Nasal irritation caused by allergies or an upper respiratory infection |
Runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion |
Disorders that block tear drainage |
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Congenital dacryostenosis (blockage of a tear duct that is present at birth) |
Symptoms that begin weeks after birth |
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Acquired dacryostenosis (age-related narrowing of tear ducts) |
Watery eyes that gradually become worse as people age |
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Entropion (an inwardly turned eyelid) |
Usually seen during the examination |
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Dacryocystitis (infection of the tear sac) |
Pain or discomfort near the corner of the eye and along the side of the nose Often swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth in the same area |
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Ectropion (an outwardly turned eyelid) |
Usually seen during the examination |
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Often in older people Sometimes a hard lump near the tear sac |
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Other causes (such as injuries or drugs) |
Usually in people who know they have such causes |
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* Features include symptoms and the results of the doctor's examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. |
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