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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffWatery eyes occur when your body makes more tears than you lose through evaporation or drainage. Watery eyes or excess tearing may happen naturally in response to emotions or to cold, windy weather. Otherwise, persistent watery eyes can have many causes, including allergies and infections. A blocked tear duct is a common cause of watery eyes. Complications from dry eyes or eye irritation can trigger the release of a large amount of tears in an attempt to lubricate your eyes. The excess tears overwhelm the drainage system, causing watery eyes.
If watery eyes don't resolve on their own, an eye doctor can determine and treat the cause.
- Sullivan JH, et al. Lids, lacrimal apparatus, & tears. In: Riordan-Eva P, et al. Vaughan & Asbury's General Ophthalmology. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3090486. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Tearing. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.aao.org/theeyeshaveit/symptoms/tearing.cfm. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Tearing (epiphora). The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec09/ch098/ch098.html. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Price KM, et al. The tearing patient: Diagnosis and management. EyeNet Magazine. http://www.aao.org/aao/publications/eyenet/200906/pearls.cfm. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Hurwitz JJ. The lacrimal drainage system. In: Yanoff M, et al. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201909637-2/0/1869/585.html?tocnode=56526. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Dry eye. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/dry-eye.cfm. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Paysse EA, et al. Approach to the child with persistent tearing. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 19, 2010.
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