Causes of Epiphora in the Single Eye

Epiphora, also known as watering eye or excessive tearing, is a condition where there is insufficient tear film drainage from one or both eyes, often without an obvious cause. Instead of tears draining normally through the nasolacrimal system, ephiphora causes tears to flow freely from eyes onto the face. Epiphora is most common among infants and seniors, and in addition to an overflow of natural tears, symptoms include mucous or a puss-like discharge from the puncta (the tiny openings along the eyelid margin through which tears drain,) matted eyelashes and even infection.

Blocked Tear Ducts

• Blockage of the tear ducts located along one's nose is the most common cause of epiphora. Underdeveloped tear ducts sometimes occur naturally in humans, for instance newborns often have watery eyes, and narrow ducts can be easily blocked if they become swollen or inflamed. Unnatural blockage can be caused from facial injuries, tumors or even membrane inflammation. When tear ducts are blocked, tears are unable to drain naturally and build up in the tear sacs of one or both eyes, and may lead to further irritation and even a sticky, puss-like discharge.

Dry Eye Syndrome

• Another cause of epiphora in one or both eyes is the natural over-production of tears, also known as dry eye syndrome. This is a misnomer since dry eye syndrome is recognized by excessive watering of the eyes, which is a natural response to irritations caused by the incorrect composition of tears. This normal composition consists of three layers: the oily lipid layer, the watery lacrimal layer and the mucus, or mucoid, layer, and the proper composition of these layers is necessary for proper lubrication of eyes. Dry eye syndrome causes the production of tears that are mostly water, which evaporate quickly and provide little moisture or protections to eyes.

Other Causes

• Epiphora can also be brought on by excess tearing caused by other things, and can be a symptom of a larger problem. Corneal disorders, irritations caused by eyelashes, weak facial muscles or lower eyelid looseness can all trigger symptoms of epiphora, and none of these cause lacrimal duct blockage or interfere with the natural production of tears. Foreign objects lodged in one or both eyes may produce an over-abundance of tears as the body tries to rinse away debris, and other causes of epiphora may also include inward-growing eyelashes, allergic reactions or even conjunctivitis.