Excessive tearing can seem like a small issue at first. However, it can quickly become an issue that impacts your comfort and vision. This can have a tangible impact on your daily activities, especially at work or school. When your eyes constantly water, it can be a sign of a more serious issue. Prompt evaluation is necessary to ensure you get the right treatment right away. Understanding the warning signs can help you know when to seek treatment. Below are the top signs you should see a specialist for excessive tearing.
Signs You Should See a Specialist for Excessive Tearing
Excessive tearing can occur for several reasons. Occasional tearing is normal and is not a cause for concern. However, excessive tearing without explanation requires evaluation. Several causes may require treatment. In some cases, conservative treatment can effectively address the issue. Other cases may require a surgical procedure. Consider the following signs that you should see a specialist for excessive tearing.
Constant Tearing Without Improvement
Occasional tearing is not a cause for concern. Watering due to wind exposure or crying is not an issue. This is entirely normal and resolves on its own. However, persistent tearing that does not improve is concerning. If your eyes water throughout the day, it can be a sign of a blocked tear duct. Healthy eyes drain through a small channel that leads into the nose. When the pathway narrows or becomes clogged, tears have nowhere to go. They spill over your eyelids and onto your cheeks. This can be a serious problem if you are driving or trying to work.
Pain or Swelling
Any pain, tenderness, or swelling near the nose or inner eyelid is concerning. This also points to a tear duct issue. The tear drainage pathway has a special sac that can become inflamed when tears back up. In some cases, you may notice a small bump or feel pressure in the area. The area can also become red or warm. If you experience these symptoms, contact a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon right away. The issue may have developed into an infection that can lead to more serious issues.
Blurred Vision
Tears that cause blurred vision are not normal. Tears play a critical role in your eye health. They keep the eyes moist and smooth. When the tears pool onto the surface of the eye in excess, they can impact your vision. You may blink or wipe away the excess just to be able to see well. For those who attend work or school, this can be extremely distracting. It can also make driving dangerous. Consult with a specialist right away to reduce the impact on your daily life.
Recurrent Eye Infections
One eye infection is not a major issue. This can happen for a variety of reasons and does not indicate a deeper issue. However, recurrent eye infections are a warning sign of a deeper issue. Excessive tearing can indicate that tears are not draining properly. When this occurs, bacteria can build up in the tear duct. This often leads to several unwanted symptoms, such as redness, swelling, discharge, and discomfort. If you have had two or more eye infections, consult with a skilled oculoplastic surgeon. They can evaluate the issue and determine the right course of action.
Top Causes of Excessive Tearing
There are several causes of excessive tearing. Working with a skilled surgeon experienced in treating the condition is important. They can evaluate your symptoms and determine the right course of action. Below are some of the most common causes of excessive tearing.
Blocked Tear Ducts
A blocked tear duct prevents tears from properly draining into the nose. A variety of factors can cause this. Aging, inflammation, infection, or injury can all lead to blocked tear ducts. When the duct is blocked, tears pool up in your eye. Because they are in excess, they spill onto your cheek. This can lead to vision issues, skin irritation, and impact your daily life.
Eyelid Position
Sometimes structural issues with the eyelids can lead to excessive tearing. If the eyelids turn outward, they can disrupt normal tear flow. They prevent tears from entering the drainage system opening. This can lead to constant tearing. Eyelid repair is an effective treatment for structural eyelid issues.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes may seem counterintuitive as a cause for excessive tearing. When the surface of the eye becomes dry or irritated, the body responds by producing additional tears. These tears can flood the eye, overcompensating for the dryness. Prompt treatment is necessary to address the issue and reduce tear overproduction.
Treatment for Excessive Tearing
The proper treatment for you depends on the cause of your excessive tearing. Scheduling a consultation with a skilled oculoplastic surgeon is the first step in getting relief. They can evaluate your eyes and assess your symptoms. Be sure to share your symptoms, including when they started, how often they occur, and how severe they are. In many cases, conservative treatments are often the first option. In some cases, the issue resolves, and there are no further issues.
When conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary. This is often when excessive tearing is due to tear duct issues. The procedure is highly effective in resolving the issue. It creates a new pathway for tears to drain properly. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia for optimal comfort. It is performed on an outpatient basis so that you can go home the same day. You will notice improvements right after surgery. They will continue to improve as you recover. The recovery period is smooth, and you should be back to your routine within 1 week.
Best Board-Certified Oculoplastic Surgeon for Tearing Surgery
Excessive tearing can impact your daily activities and reduce your overall quality of life. If you are struggling with the issue, contact Dr. Jennifer Murdock’s team today to schedule your consultation!
