What causes excessive tearing of the eyes?
Apr 19, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Excessive tearing may be caused by irritation of the eyes from dust or other substances in the air, leading to reflexive secretion by the lacrimal gland and increased tear production. It could also result from inflammation due to infection of the lacrimal sac by pathogenic bacteria, causing tearing. Additionally, it may occur when the conjunctiva is infected by bacteria that multiply within it, triggering an inflammatory response and resulting in tearing.
Under normal circumstances, excessive tearing of the eyes may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as dacryocystitis and bacterial conjunctivitis. The details are as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
When the eyes are irritated by substances in the air such as dust or animal fur, the lacrimal glands may reflexively secrete more tears. Symptoms can be improved by rinsing the tear ducts with normal saline.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Dacryocystitis
Poor eye hygiene may lead to pathogenic bacterial infection of the lacrimal sac. Inflammatory stimulation can easily result in excessive tearing. It is recommended to use anti-inflammatory medications locally under medical guidance, such as ofloxacin eye drops, gatifloxacin eye drops, or norfloxacin eye drops, to alleviate symptoms.
2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
After bacterial infection of the conjunctiva and subsequent bacterial proliferation, an inflammatory response occurs, which often leads to tearing. Under medical supervision, topical treatments such as tobramycin eye drops, erythromycin eye ointment, or compound neomycin sulfate eye drops are recommended to suppress bacterial growth and improve symptoms.
In addition, excessive tearing could also be caused by glaucoma. If symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to visit a hospital for appropriate examinations to determine the exact cause and receive proper treatment under medical guidance.
