Tearing

The tear duct system, which allows the tears to drain from the eyes into the nose, usually opens in the first few months of life. In some infants, however, the system remains blocked, resulting in the eyes overflowing with tears and collecting mucus. Tearing may result from other ocular conditions, the most serious of which is glaucoma. If your child suffers from continued tearing or watering from the eyes, please consult your pediatrician. Gentle massage of the tear duct can occasionally assist in relieving the blockage. If massage and observation are unsuccessful, a tear duct probe or more involved surgery is occasionally required.

Tearing is also a common problem in adults. It can result from an eye irritation such as allergies, dry eye, or an eye infection.  When tearing is caused by irritation treatment is as simple as a topical medication.  It can also be due to an obstruction of the tear drain system.  This obstruction can occur at any point along the tear drain system; however, it most commonly occurs where the tear drain enters the nose.  It can occur in one or both eyes and may require surgical correction.