Why do I tear excessively (epiphora?)

All healthy individuals have wet eyes because of the constant secretion of fluid from the lacrimal glands located on the outer edge of the eye under the eyebrow. Tears form to keep the eyes moist and then drain down on the inside of the nose.

While tearing is common when some is crying, there are some individuals who tear constantly. Epiphora or Excessive tearing is a medical disorder that results when tears spill out of the eye even when one is not crying. Depending on the cause, symptoms of excessive tearing many be

a. a red eye
b. pain
c. low grade fever
d. swelling around the eyes


The most common cause of excessive tearing is a dry eye. A dry eye syndrome occurs when there are too few tears produced or the tears rapidly blow away. When the eye senses dryness, it responds by making more tears.

There are many other causes of excessive tearing and they include the following:

Normally tears from eyes drain through small holes located on the nasal side of the eye. Tears drain through these holes and enter the nose. Sometimes ducts at the entrance of the nose can be blocked and tears fall on the cheeks. The ducts may be blocked at birth from

- excessive mucus build up
- ingrown eye lashes
- an infection which causes thick viscous fluid
- certain medications
- a traumatic injury
- repeated and frequent exposure to allergens,
dust and pollutants that irritate the eyes
- a stye