Increased tearing: what causes it and what other symptoms can accompany it?

Increased tearing is a current problem that is one of the common reasons for seeking an eye examination. It is one of the difficulties arising from the environment of the eyes, however, diseases outside this visual organ may also be the underlying cause.

Increased lacrimation = hyperlacrimation = epiphora, watering eyes.
Hyper = over, state of something more than normal.
Lacrimalis = relating to tears.
Common condition when crying, laughing, experiencing emotions, coughing, yawning or vomiting.

Tears and tear film play an indispensable role in cleansing, protecting and nourishing the eye, more specifically the cornea. By repeatedly blinking and closing the eyelids, the surface of the eye is washed, cleaned, kept moist and resistant to the outside world.

In addition, tears spread nutrients and oxygen over the surface of the cornea.

The rest is divided among equally important substances such as salts, glucose, amino acids, proteins.

The detached parts of the epithelium in the tears indicate that they also have a cleansing function.

Tears are important in:

• cleaning the eye, the surface of the cornea
• washing away impurities and foreign substances
• acting as a mechanical barrier
• disinfection, as they are antibacterial protection as part of human immunity
• nutrition and oxygenation of the cornea
• optical properties and refraction of light rays before they reach the retina

Often you are interested in:
Why does increased tearing occur?
Itching and tearing in one or both eyes.
What drops help?

In addition to containing various ingredients, the tear film on the surface of the eye is made up of three layers.

Three layers of tear film:

1. mucinous = the basic inner layer that covers the corneal epithelium
   • contains mucus, mucin
   • formed by the cells of the conjunctiva and cornea
   • protects the surface of the eye
   • provides viscosity, integrity, adhesion of the tear film to the surface
2. aqueous = produced by the lacrimal gland
   • provides oxygen and nutrients
   • contains minerals, electrolytes and enzymes
   • cleanses the surface of the eye
   • represents most of the film
3. lipoid = fatty outer layer
   • sebum forms tiny glands of eyelids, eyelashes
   • prevents tears from evaporating
   • stabilizes the tear film
   • provides a smooth surface
   • contains sterols, esters, triglycerides, fatty acids

Tears and the tear film are formed by the lacrimal gland (glandula lacrimalis), accessory lacrimal glands and small glands that form the lipid component of the tear film.

Tear apparatus = apparatus lacrimalis.

They are also drained by the lacrimal ducts so that they do not accumulate on the surface of the eye and in the conjunctival sac. The lacrimal ducts carry the fluid with the waste particles into the nasal cavity. Alternatively, tears leak onto the skin.

Tearing is natural and significant for several reasons.

But what if there are too many tears?

Excess fluid in the eyes can be responsible for annoyance and discomfort. Too much accumulated fluid with waste matter is also a risk of infection.

Excess and accumulation of tears has a negative and risky effect for the development of infection.

It hinders vision during normal daytime activities. Hyperlacrimation can even be dangerous if the excess fluid prevents a person from monitoring their surroundings and maintaining attention, for example when driving or operating work machinery.

You ask: What age group can it affect?

It occurs in newborns and young children. It is even a common problem in this period. The reason is an anatomical imperfection of the tear ducts.

In adults and the elderly, the causes listed below dominate, especially after the age of 60.

2 main causes of excessive tearing

Increased tearing has two dominant causes. The first is a blocked tear duct and the second is excessive tear production.

The 2 most common causes:

1. blocked tear ducts - by obstruction or constriction.
2. excessive tear production

Both conditions have several causes.

1.

The tear ducts can be blocked by obstruction or constriction.

In newborns, the structures of the tear ducts are anatomically imperfect. An obstruction in the outflow is manifested by excessive tearing. Of course, this is not a disease.

In some cases, congenital obstruction of the tear ducts requires specialist management. The problem could persist into later life with complications (mainly of an inflammatory nature).

However, at an older age, a triggering cause must be found.

Examples include inflammation, in which swelling is a common reaction. The swelling of the mucous membrane blocks drainage and increased tearing occurs. It may affect the conjunctiva or originate from the sinuses, upper respiratory tract and nasal cavity. Examples include the common cold, cold, flu and similar infections.

Allergies are very often among other reasons. An allergy is an exaggerated reaction of the body to an otherwise common substance in our surroundings, the environment. Allergies to dust, fur, dust mites or pollen are common.

Allergies can be present all year round. And pollen allergies in particular are characterized by a rise in spring and during the flowering season. Also known as hay fever, it is typically manifested by sneezing, increased nasal secretions, watery or itchy eyes and nose.

In its case, two mechanisms are associated. One is the swelling of the mucous membrane and the other is the excessive production of tears.

2. Increased production

Probably every person has experienced this condition. A good example is dust in the eyes, which triggers a reaction. Its purpose is to remove the foreign body and clean the surface of the eye.

Excessive tearing also affects us when we clean onions.

Irritation of the eye can be triggered by a number of factors. Dust was the first mentioned. Next, sand is an example, especially in children. Chemical fumes and allergies or hay fever + a number of other eye irritants can also be the cause.

Increased production occurs for various reasons. It is a reflex when the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye is irritated.

Other problems associated with excessive tearing

Tearing may last only for a while (short term). In some cases, it recurs or persists for a long time. In addition to excessive fluid in the eye, other difficulties may also join.

It can affect one eye, but also both eyes. If the problem stems from inflammation, it is typical to move the trouble from one eye to the other. Such spread of infection can occur within a few days.

Eye fatigue is common in modern times. Watching monitors, phone screens, watching TV or concentrating the gaze at work and being in a monotonous position. Driving for too long also has a negative effect. Especially if you use the air conditioning in the car (or other means of transport) or if you use too much heating.

Read also the articles:

• How does air conditioning affect our health? + Diseases and side effects
• How to use or adjust the air conditioning correctly and in a way that does not harm us?

+ Remember:
The air conditioner should be set so that the air does not flow straight into the face, onto the person's body.

The result, apart from unpleasant fatigue, is tearing, watering and watering. Associated symptoms such as a feeling of heavy eyes and a foreign body in the eye or redness of the eyes and a number of other problems can occur.

The eyes are constantly strained. Associated problems such as dry eye syndrome and digital eye fatigue and computer vision syndrome.

Symptoms of both conditions in the table below

Summary of causes and risk factors:

• Older age
• weather conditions, draughts, wind, cold in winter, sunlight, smog
• environmental pollution - dust, smoke, cigarette smoke
• chemicals and fumes
• intense tastes, smells, odours
• foods such as onions, garlic, horseradish, spices, etc.
• trauma to the eye and foreign object in the eye, corneal injury, and scratching of the cornea
• rubbing the eyes with dirty hands
• inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis), inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) + damage to the cornea by ulcer, herpesvirus
• inflammation of the eyelid and eyelid glands (blepharitis/meibomitis) + redness of the eyelid
• barley and wolf grain
• irritation of the surface of the eye by eyelashes - in case of malposition of the eyelids
  • ectropion - eyelashes roll outwards from the eye
  • entropion - the edge of the eyelid points towards the eye
  • trichiasis - growth of the eyelashes inwards towards the eye
• uneven tear film composition - causes film disorders with higher drying rates
• dry eye syndrome
• digital eye fatigue
• glaucoma
• use of certain medications
• eye and nose surgery
• tumour in the eye and nose area
• colds, rhinitis, flu and other upper respiratory infections, especially chronic and recurrent conditions
• allergies/hay fever (pollen), dust, fur
• chemotherapy and radiation for cancer
• lymphoma
• thyroid problems
• Bell's palsy - facial nerve palsy
• Sjogren's (sicca, dry) syndrome
• rheumatic diseases
• sarcoidosis - an autoimmune disease
• measles
• hormonal changes, especially in women after menopause or during pregnancy
• sleep deprivation and fatigue
• alcoholism and smoking
• and others

Symptoms that may be associated with:

• Tired eyes and heavy eyelids
• eye pain
• headache
• runny nose
• visual impairment, blurred vision, reduced visual acuity
• swelling of the eyes - eyelids
• redness of the eyelids
• sneezing and other allergy symptoms + itchy eyes

Diagnosis and treatment

The medical history forms the basis, as information from the patient is an essential part of the whole diagnosis. The specialist examination is carried out by an ophthalmologist.

Based on the associated symptoms, whether infection or another problem, he determines the cause. An example of a special method for a narrowed or blocked tear duct is the injection of fluid and monitoring of the drainage into the nose.

Visual acuity testing, anterior and posterior segment examinations, or measurement of intraocular pressure are added. When systemic diseases are suspected, methods are added according to associated difficulties.

The choice of treatment follows the determination of the cause.

Due to the existence of many diverse problems, a single formulation cannot be given for all cases. Inflammation requires anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics (drops, gels, ointments), dry eye syndrome requires artificial tears, etc.

If it's dry eye syndrome, of course they can help and provide relief.
Their choice should be left to a specialist.

Poultices (cold/warm) can be helpful, even with the use of herbs. However, you should take advice on their choice from your doctor or pharmacist at the pharmacy.

+ For long term hazardous work where eye strain is a priority, eye gymnastics and short breaks at work are advisable.

The room should be ventilated regularly, heating and air conditioning have their limits and beware of draughts. In sunny weather, glasses are advisable. Don't forget to blink regularly. Take plenty of vitamins and supplements, especially those with beta-carotene. Of course, don't forget vegetables or fruit and a drinking regime.

You ask:
When should I seek a specialist examination?

A specialist examination is especially necessary when:

• visual impairment and visual disturbance
• eye pain, eye
• a foreign object in the eye that you cannot remove with a simple eyewash
• trauma and injury, scratches to the eye
• exposure of the eye to chemicals
• bleeding in the eye
• inflammation of the eye with discharge, bleeding, swelling
• associated headache, especially first headache, dizziness, etc.
• tenderness around the eye and nose
• persistence of the problem or frequent recurrence of symptoms