Excessive tearing
Overview
Excessive tearing is a condition where the eyes produce too many tears, causing constant watery eyes and overflow of tears down the cheeks. This symptom can occur due to blocked tear ducts, eye irritation, infections, or underlying medical conditions affecting tear production.
Common Causes
Excessive tearing commonly occurs when your eyes become dry, triggering your tear glands to overcompensate by producing more tears than usual. Environmental factors like wind, bright sunlight, cold weather, or air conditioning can irritate your eyes and stimulate tear production. Allergies to pollen, dust, or pet dander frequently cause watery eyes as your body's natural defense response. Eye strain from prolonged computer use, reading, or focusing on screens can also lead to increased tearing as your eyes work harder to stay moist and comfortable.
Severity Levels
Mild: Occasional watery eyes that clear up on their own, typically triggered by wind, bright lights, or minor irritants. Tears may overflow slightly but don't interfere with daily activities.
Moderate: Frequent tearing that occurs several times throughout the day, causing noticeable tear overflow down the cheeks. May require occasional wiping and can be bothersome during work or social activities.
Severe: Constant, profuse tearing that significantly impacts vision and daily functioning. Tears continuously stream down the face, requiring frequent wiping and may cause skin irritation around the eyes.
Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if excessive tearing persists for more than a few days without improvement, especially if accompanied by eye pain, vision changes, or discharge. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sudden onset of severe tearing with eye redness, sensitivity to light, or if the tearing follows an eye injury. It's also important to get evaluated if the condition interferes with your daily activities or if you notice swelling around the eyes.
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