Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
A New Vision

4655 SW Griffith Drive #165

Beaverton, OR 97005 US

503-646-8592

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Patient Center
    • Online Forms
  • Our Services
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Vision Exams For Children
    • Contact Lens Exam
    • Optomap Retinal Exams
    • Diopsys/VEP Testing
    • Readalyzer(TM)
    • InfantSEE®
  • Vision Therapy
    • Tools & Techniques
    • Vision Therapy FAQ
  • Eye Wear
    • Frame Lines
    • Lenses
    • Contact Lenses
      • Soft Contacts
      • RGP Lenses
    • Choosing the Right Frames
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
  • Contact Us
  • Community Content
    • Eyeglasses
    • Basic Visual Skills
    • All About Eyes
    • Protecting Your Eyes
    • Visual Rehabilitation
    • Pediatric Vision Issues
    • Glasses
    • Contact Lenses
    • Common Eye Conditions
      • Vision Impairment
      • Eye Lids
      • Age-Related
      • Injury & Irritation
      • Changes in Appearance
      • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Problems
    • Eye Symptoms
    • Eye Diseases
    • A Child's Vision
    • What is Vision Therapy
    • Vision Therapy Programs
    • We Can Help With
      • Cataracts
      • Corneal Disorders
        • Disorders
      • Glaucoma
      • Refractive Disorders
      • Adult Strabismus
      • Retinal Disorders
    • Newsletters
      • Glasses & Frames
      • Contacts
      • Tips for Healthy Eyes
      • Conditions That Affect Vision
      • Kid's Vision
      • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
      • Medical Perspectives
  • Contact Lens Training Information
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Eye Symptoms >
  • Tearing

Tearing

  • Created in Eye Symptoms
Close up image of a closed eye tearing.

Suffering from watery eyes, also known as tearing, or epiphora, is a condition that happens when the eyes make too many tears or produce them constantly. There are many causes of excessive tearing, but only a few are signs of more serious conditions.

Causes of Excessive Tearing

One of two things often causes excessive tearing. One cause of excessive tearing is the eye producing too many tears. This can happen when there is inflammation or irritation of the eye, such as with allergies or eye infections. In this case, the excess tears are the body’s way of trying to wash away what is bothering the eye.

Another possible cause of excessive tearing is a blocked tear duct, causing tears to collect in the eye. The job of the tear duct is to carry away the tears. If it is blocked, the tears will not drain normally into the nose. This can happen as a result of an infection in the tear duct or an injury. In infants, tear ducts may not be fully open; although, this often clears up on its own after a few months.

Specifically, some of the causes of excessive tearing include:

  • Allergies, such as hay fever
  • Common colds
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye infections caused by bacteria, fungus or viruses, which include pink eye (conjunctivitis)
  • Eyelid problems, such as eyelid inflammation or an eyelid that is turned in or out
  • Infection or blockage of the tear duct
  • An ingrown eyelash
  • An irritant or foreign object in the eye, including contact lenses

Excessive tearing can also be caused less commonly by other conditions, such as:

  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Eye injuries, including scratched cornea
  • Other illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, damage to a facial nerve or thyroid disorders
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery of the eye or nose

When to See an Eye Doctor

Excessive tearing is not always a sign of more serious medical problems. The eyes may stop tearing on their own. A few simple treatments, though, may relieve the irritation. These include:

  • The use of artificial tears several times a day, as directed
  • Taking over-the-counter medication for your allergies
  • Placing warm compresses over your closed eyes for a few minutes

If the excessive tearing does not stop, or if the eyes become more irritated, make an appointment with your ophthalmologist.

If you develop any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

  • Decreased vision
  • Pain in or around the eyes
  • Sensation of a foreign body in your eye

These could be a sign of serious medical condition.

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Eye Lids
    • Age-Related
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Cognitive and Acquired
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you.

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients/ learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Monday:

9:00am

5:00pm

Tuesday:

9:00am

5:00pm

Wednesday:

9:00am

5:00pm

Thursday:

9:00am

5:00pm

Friday:

9:00am

3:00pm

Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

  • "We have noticed a huge improvement with our son during and after completing his vision therapy with A New Vision. He is reading at a much higher level, his grades have improved, his confidence has increased, and homework is not taking so long. His improvements are life changing! Thank you so much!"
    D.H. / Beaverton, OR

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • How Sleep Can Affect Your Vision

    Do you have trouble sleeping? Sleep problems may increase your risk of eye diseases and conditions. ...

    Read More
  • The Effects of Smoking on Your Eye Health

    Do you know how smoking can harm your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Getting Your Child Accustomed to New Glasses

    Is your child struggling to adjust to new glasses? Try a few of these tips. ...

    Read More
  • Daily Habits That May Be Harming Your Eye Health

    Could any of these habits be hurting your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Cold Weather and Your Eyes

    Are your eyes dry and uncomfortable? The cold weather may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Challenges of Night Driving and Your Vision

    Do you dread driving at night? Trying a few of these tips may make night driving less stressful. ...

    Read More
  • Diagnosing and Using Vision Technology to Help Low Vision

    Are you familiar with the symptoms of low vision? ...

    Read More
  • Are Your Eye Problems Genetic?

    Have you been wondering if your eye problems are genetic? ...

    Read More
  • Common Eye Care Myths

    Do carrots improve your vision? Will sitting too close to the TV damage your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Common Ocular Emergencies

    Do you know when you should visit the eye doctor if you have eye pain? ...

    Read More

Social Media

  • Copyright © 2020 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map