As you know, tears are necessary for the human eye to maintain a normal level of moisture and cleanse them of all kinds of pollution. Under normal conditions, the glands produce approximately 6 mg of fluid daily. If the volume of tears significantly exceeds this indicator, then this is a sign of pathological lacrimation, which may indicate deviations in the activity of the body.
Oculists strongly recommend not to ignore the abundant tearing. After all, such a sign is very often found in various pathologies of the visual organs. In addition, it can appear against the background of other abnormal processes in the body. Therefore, we propose to figure out what are the causes of watery eyes.
Need for process
The fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands is similar in chemical composition to blood plasma, the only difference is that it contains more chlorine and fewer organic ingredients. Tears are 99% ordinary water. But depending on the state of he alth, the composition of this liquid may vary slightly, so in some cases it is taken for analysis.
Tearsperform several important functions for the body:
- Moisturizing the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and eyes. Covering the cornea with a thin film, the tear protects it from the harmful effects of the environment. If external conditions become more aggressive, for example, the presence of smoke in the air, or foreign objects fall on the shell, lacrimation becomes more abundant. This is necessary to remove substances from the eyes that can harm them.
- Antibacterial function. The tear fluid contains a special enzyme, lysozyme, which effectively fights various bacteria. Due to this component, the eyes are under reliable protection, despite constant contact with the environment.
- Anti-stress function. Together with tears, hormones that are produced in stressful situations leave the body. It is because of this that tears are considered a habitual reaction to strong overexcitation: a large amount of hormones can suppress the human psyche, so nature took care of us and allowed us to get rid of excess unnecessary substances through tears. The same mechanism is triggered by an excess of adrenaline.
- Tears nourish the cornea, which has no blood vessels.
Norma
In some cases, there is absolutely no point in treating watery eyes. The reasons for this phenomenon can actually be quite harmless. After all, it is s alty drops that often become a normal reaction of the body to various stimuli. In such situations,despite the discomfort brought by tears, therapy is not required, since such tears are not a symptom of pathology. There can be many such factors:
- Strong overwork. People who frequently stare at monitors, read books, or drive often complain of itching, burning, and involuntary tearing. In this case, to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, it is enough to simply give your eyes a rest and drip them with moisturizing drops. "Vial" or "Vizin" is perfect for this.
- Deficiency in B vitamins, potassium or zinc. This is another common cause of watery eyes. Treatment in this case should be aimed at replenishing the supply of necessary elements. To do this, you should adjust the diet and drink a course of vitamin-mineral complexes.
- Profuse lachrymation after sleep. This phenomenon is considered absolutely normal - it is it that helps the tear film to recover.
- All kinds of injuries and foreign objects. In this case, tears are released to remove pollution and restore the cornea.
- Laughing or yawning.
- Predisposing weather. What are the causes and treatment of watery eyes outdoors? Due to the effects of frost and wind, the organs of vision dry up rather quickly, so the lacrimal glands begin to work several times more actively. This is precisely the reason for tearing from the eyes on the street. There are no manifestations of pathology in this, rather, we are talking aboutindividual features.
- The use of inappropriate glasses or an individual reaction of the body to the lenses. In this case, you should contact an optometrist. Only a specialist can correct the situation and help you choose the right glasses.
- Allergic reaction to cosmetics. In this case, there is one solution - say goodbye to inappropriate products and stock up on new products.
- Age over 50 years old. Decrease in the tone of the cheeks, the development of dry keratoconjunctivitis, malfunctions of the lacrimal glands - these are the main causes of lacrimation from the eyes in the elderly. The treatment is carried out with the help of a special massage and special drops. Only complex therapy is considered effective.
Causes of severe watery eyes
In addition to natural factors, various diseases can lead to abundant release of s alty liquid. Increased lacrimation is an imbalance between the production of fluid and its removal through the appropriate channels. It looks like a person is crying all the time.
There are two forms of lacrimation: hypersecretory and retention. In the latter case, the production of tears remains normal, but due to impaired outflow, they do not pass through the channels into the nasopharynx, but remain in the eyes. In the second option, the situation looks different: the lacrimal glands produce too much secretion.
Profuse tearing. Symptoms
There are many causes of watery eyes: it can be caused by various injuries,ingress of foreign bodies, infectious defects. Depending on the initial factor, this phenomenon may be accompanied by other symptoms. It is their combination that allows the ophthalmologist to determine the exact diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment tactics.
If, in addition to the lacrimation itself, a person is not bothered by other problems, one can suspect the presence of one of the diseases of the visual system.
Dry eye syndrome. Essence of the term
One of the most common causes of excessive watery eyes. The disease develops against the background of constant overwork of the visual organs and too rare blinking. Due to prolonged work in front of the screen, long watching TV and being in a room with dry air, the cornea of the eye gradually dries up. This is due to the lack of timely renewal of the tear film.
The first precursor of the disease is tearing. It is with the help of tears that the eyes try to compensate for the lack of moisture and produce the maximum amount of fluid. True, the active production of tears in this case does not lead to success, since the watery component of the film prevails over the fatty part.
Eversion of the eyelid or ectropion
This pathology can develop for several reasons:
- lack of proper eye hygiene;
- surgery;
- tumor formation in the eyelid area.
Any of these factors entails the appearance of free space between the lower eyelid andconjunctiva. Against the background of this pathology, a displacement of the lacrimal punctum occurs, due to which tears begin to flow constantly in a person.
At an early stage of the development of the disease, its only symptom is profuse lacrimation. But due to the lack of proper treatment, eversion of the eyelid can lead to complications in the form of blepharitis and conjunctivitis. As a result, the clinical picture of the disease is complemented by redness and a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the eye. There is only one treatment option - surgery.
Clogging of tear ducts. Features
A fairly common cause of watery eyes in the elderly, associated with age-related changes. Although blockage can occur due to surgery, damage, infection, cyst formation, tumors and other pathological processes. In some cases, the disease develops against the background of taking strong medications.
With such a disease, tears constantly flow from the eyes, and vision becomes blurred. If the blockage of the ducts leads to an exacerbation of chronic conjunctivitis or dacryocystitis, blood or even pus begins to be released.
Lagophthalmos
People have another name for this disease - hare's eye. This is a disease of a neurological nature, in which the eyelids cease to fully close, which gradually leads to drying out of the eyes. Such a problem often becomes a consequence of encephalitis, stroke and other malformations of the nervous system that affect the facialnerves.
It is lagophthalmos that causes lacrimation from one eye. In an adult, it is this symptom that often turns out to be the first and only harbinger of the disease. At an early stage, the organ of vision has a normal color, pain and swelling are absent. But as the disease progresses, the clinical picture changes. Over time, an ulcer or corneal dystrophy, keratitis, and other unpleasant symptoms may develop, such as pain, swelling, and severe discomfort.
To relieve symptoms, an implant is placed under the upper eyelid, silicone threads are introduced. At the same time, preparations are used to moisturize and disinfect the conjunctiva.
Conjunctivitis
The allergic form of this disease is considered a seasonal disease that develops in the spring due to the body's reaction to flowering. In addition to profuse lacrimation, with this pathology, patients complain of severe itching, swelling, photophobia, burning, redness of the eyelids. In severe cases, conjunctivitis is accompanied by a runny nose, shortness of breath and a sore throat. Antiallergic drugs are used in therapy.
If we are talking about an infectious form of the disease, then from the eyes, in addition to tears, pus is released. Antivirals and antibiotics are used for treatment.
Keratitis
Another common cause of watery eyes. In addition, keratitis has a number of other symptoms: closure of the eyelids, intolerance to bright lights,sensation of a foreign object. This pathology needs urgent treatment. Left untreated, keratitis can injure the cornea and penetrate deep into the eyeball.
Wearing lenses
Sometimes the cause of watery eyes is the use of contact lenses. Abundant release of s alty liquid in this case can be explained by the following conditions:
- wrong product selection;
- too long application;
- lack of hygiene leading to mold formation, protein deposition and dirt accumulation;
- individual intolerance;
- dust ingress;
- long stay in the wind or sun.
To prevent a problem, follow these simple guidelines:
- listen to the opinion of the doctor when choosing a product;
- care for lenses;
- systematically use artificial tears;
- wear sunglasses.
Causes of watery eyes in a child
In young children, this problem may appear due to the influence of various factors:
- Rhinitis. With this disease, the tear duct narrows, which leads to increased secretion production.
- Spasm. It can occur with a sudden change in climate and hypothermia. Along with lacrimation, there is a discharge of pus and swelling of the mucosa.
- Teething.
- Eczema. This pathologyaccompanied by peeling and dryness of the eyelids.
- Eye injury. Minor injuries, such as scratches, and serious injuries can lead to profuse lacrimation. Only in the latter case, the child should be shown to the optometrist.
Treatment
Lachrymation is just a symptom, not a separate disease, so you can get rid of it only by treating the main pathology. Depending on the initial cause of the excessive production of tears, the optometrist may prescribe antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antihistamine, and antibacterial medications to the patient.
Complex treatment also includes alternative anti-inflammatory agents. Usually, they are used as washes and compresses. But you can use such funds only as prescribed by the doctor:
- Appliques with tea. Prepare a strong brew of any tea, soak cotton pads in it and put them on your eyes. In addition, this means you can wash your eyes. It is recommended to arrange medical procedures twice a day.
- Furacilin solution. Wash your eyes with this drug 2 times a day.
- Compresses from herbal infusions. Pour a tablespoon of succession, chamomile or calendula with two cups of boiling water, leave for half an hour. Soak cotton pads in the prepared product and place them on your eyes for 15-20 minutes.
- Decoction of millet. Boil 2 tablespoons of cereal in a glass of boiling water, strain and let cool. Caress the organs with the finished productview 2-3 times a day.
The causes of watery eyes are numerous, and only a specialist can determine what means can be used to get rid of this symptom. So, do not ignore the danger sign - you should immediately consult a doctor.
