Cause | Common Features* |
---|---|
Disorders that cause excess tear production | |
Watering that is worse when eyes are exposed to cold or windy weather, cigarette smoke, or dry heat A feeling of something in the eye (foreign object [body] sensation) that comes and goes, especially toward the end of the day | |
Irritation of the eye surface due to
| Eye redness In people with allergic conjunctivitis, itching In people with an inwardly turned eyelid and eyelashes, often a sensation of grittiness or something in the eye In people with corneal scratch or foreign body, pain, light sensitivity, and a sensation of grittiness or something in the eye |
Nasal irritation caused by allergies or an upper respiratory infection | Runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion |
Disorders that block tear drainage | |
Congenital dacryostenosis Congenital dacryostenosis Dacryostenosis is narrowing of the nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears away from the eye. Dacryostenosis can be present from birth (congenital) or develop after birth (acquired). Either type... read more (blockage of a tear duct that is present at birth) | Symptoms that begin weeks after birth |
Watery eyes that gradually become worse as people age | |
Usually seen during the examination | |
Pain or discomfort near the corner of the eye and along the side of the nose Often swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth in the same area | |
Usually seen during the examination | |
Often in older adults Sometimes a hard lump near the tear sac | |
Other causes (such as injuries or medications) | Usually in people who know they have such causes |
* Features include symptoms and the results of the doctor's examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. |