Tearing, increased

Alternative names:

epiphora; increased tearing

Home care:

Follow prescribed therapy and avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands after touching an affected eye.

Call your health care provider if:

• increased tearing is significant, prolonged, or associated with other unexplained symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting increased tearing may include:

• time pattern
  • When did it begin?
  • Is it the first occurrence?
  • Does it occur all the time or off and on?
  • Is there a pattern to the occurrences?

• quality
  • Is the vision affected?
  • Are corrective lenses worn or needed?
  • Is the increased tearing related to emotional responses?
  • Is the tearing accompanied by pain? Stinging? Itching?
  • Is the fluid clear?
  • Are the eyes red or swollen?
  • Is drainage or crusting present on awakening?

• location
  • Does increased tearing affect both eyes?
  • If so, are they affected equally?

• aggravating factors
  • What seems to cause or increase the tearing?
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Are there allergies?
  • Is there frequent exposure to wind, dust, chemicals, sun, or light?
  • Have there been recent injuries to the eye(s)?

• relieving factors
  • What seems to help reduce the tearing?
  • Have eye solutions been tried?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there any loss of vision?
  • Have there been changes in vision?
  • Is there a headache?
  • Is there nasal congestion or a runny nose?
  • Are there joint aches or muscle aches?
  • Has anyone else had similar symptoms recently?

The physical examination may include a detailed eye examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:

• culture and sensitivity testing of tear specimen
• Schirmer's test

Intervention:
Watery eyes may be treated by probing the tear duct for a blockage. An infection of the tear duct can be treated with antibiotics and soothed by applying warm compresses several times a day. While awaiting the results of the culture, isolation may be recommended (some eye infections are highly contagious).

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to increased tearing to your personal medical record.