What are the causes of epiphora (watering eye)?
There are two main causes of epiphora – blocked tear ducts or excessive production of tears. • Blocked tear ducts – some humans are born with underdeveloped tear ducts. It is not uncommon for newborns to have watery eyes. Generally, this problem goes away within a few weeks as the ducts develop.The most common cause of watering eyes among adults and older children is blocked ducts, or ducts that are too narrow. Narrowed tear ducts usually become so as a result of swelling (inflammation). If a patient’s tear ducts are narrowed or blocked their tears will not be able to drain away and will build up in the tear sac. Stagnant tears in the tear sac increase the risk of infection in that area and the eye will produce a sticky liquid, further exacerbating the problem. Infection can also lead to inflammation on the side of the nose, next to the eye. Narrow drainage channels on the insides of the eyes (canaliculi) can become blocked. This is caused by swelling or scarring. • Over-production of
