Eye discomfort with tearing
Oct 12, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xueying
Introduction
Eye discomfort and tearing may be caused by physiological factors such as excessive fatigue, or by pathological conditions such as bacterial keratitis and trachoma. Symptoms can be relieved through general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention. It is important to develop good hygiene habits, avoid rubbing the eyes with hands, frequently wash and dry towels and handkerchiefs, and ensure clean water sources to prevent eye infections.
Eye discomfort and tearing may be caused by physiological factors such as excessive fatigue, or by pathological conditions such as bacterial keratitis and trachoma. Symptoms can be relieved through general management, medication, or surgical treatment.
I. Physiological Factors
Excessive eye strain, soreness, the presence of foreign bodies in the eye, or exposure to smoke, dust, and chemical irritants can cause tearing. Avoid prolonged focusing on smartphones, computers, or books; instead, periodically close your eyes to rest and relax the eyes. Avoid staying up late. Eye relaxation techniques such as closing the eyes to rest or using warm steam eye masks can help. Maintain good eye hygiene, avoid dusty or smoky environments, and minimize the use of cosmetics with strong chemical irritants.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Bacterial Keratitis
Caused by bacterial infection, this condition may lead to photophobia, tearing, a sensation of foreign body in the eye, and increased eye discharge. The most effective treatment is topical antibiotics—using high-concentration antibiotic eye drops frequently during the acute phase, every 15–30 minutes. Antibiotic eye ointment should be applied at night. Oral vitamin C and B-complex vitamins may aid in ulcer healing. Patients who do not respond to drug therapy, whose condition worsens rapidly, or who have existing or potential corneal perforation with ocular contents protruding, require immediate hospitalization and therapeutic corneal transplantation.
2. Trachoma
Caused by ocular infection with *Chlamydia trachomatis*, symptoms include photophobia, tearing, foreign body sensation, increased secretions, and red eyes. Maintain local hygiene and avoid rubbing the eyes; saline irrigation may help relieve symptoms. Local treatment includes rifampicin or sodium sulfacetamide eye drops. In severe cases, systemic treatment with oral medications such as doxycycline may be prescribed by a physician. Surgical correction is required for recurrent trachoma complicated by entropion and trichiasis (in-turned eyelashes).
3. Other Conditions
Other eye disorders such as dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, or ocular trauma may also cause eye discomfort and tearing. Prompt treatment based on the underlying cause can effectively alleviate symptoms. In daily life, develop good hygiene habits: avoid touching or rubbing the eyes with hands, wash and sun-dry towels and handkerchiefs regularly, and ensure clean water sources to prevent eye infections. If any of the above symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly and follow standardized treatment as directed by a healthcare provider.
