Watery eyes

There are many reasons for the eyes to water, but fundamentally the eye is either producing too many tears or the tear drainage is not functioning properly. The commonest cause for over production of tears is ‘reflex watering’ secondary to dry or irritated eyes.

Issues affecting tear drainage may range from eyelid malposition (entropion/ectropion), narrowed eyelid tear ducts (punctal stenosis) or blockage of the tear drainage channel from the eye to the nose (naso-lacrimal duct blockage).

Treatment to correct eye watering relates to the cause. This can range from simple lubricating drops to local anaesthetic surgery or even general anaesthetic operations.

A careful, in-depth consultation is required to highlight the cause and indenitfy the most appropriate treatment.