Tearing, increased

• normal response to emotional or physical stress
• environmental irritants, including smog or chemicals in the air, exposure to hot wind, strong light, blowing dust, or airborne allergens
• conjunctivitis (often accompanied by itching or redness)
• foreign bodies and abrasions
• allergies
• allergy to mold, dander, dust
• styes

Note: There may be other causes of increased tearing. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for increased tearing, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

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


Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

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

What to Expect:
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.