It is okay to get watery eyes but you should know when to be concerned. There are many factors that cause watery eyes including cold, allergies, flu, infection and blocked tear ducts but excessive watering of the eyes should not be taken lightly. It may be a sign of a specific eye condition known as Dacryocystitis, an infection or inflammation of the tear sac or lacrimal sac. Considering that most people are unaware of the serious implications of watery eyes, we reached out to Dr Priyanka Singh Consultant & Eye Surgeon, Neytra Eye Centre, New Delhi who shared that chronic watery eyes could signal towards something serious including tear sac inflammation.
What is Dacryocystitis?
Dr Singh explains, “Normally, the eye is connected to the nose through a duct or tube that facilitates the drainage of excess tears into the nasal cavity. This explains why tears often accompany water in the nose when we cry, and why putting eye drops can sometimes be felt in the nose. However, if this duct becomes blocked, it hinders the proper drainage of tears, causing them to overflow outside the eye.”
“Due to the blockage, tear ducts may become narrowed, blocked, or swollen, causing obstruction of proper tear drainage. This could cause a buildup of stagnant tears. These can certainly increase the possibility of an eye infection and lead to the production of a sticky discharge. A chronic blockage can lead to an infection known as ‘dacryocystitis’ due to microbial growth and infection,” she adds.
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Symptoms of Dacryocystitis
This condition can affect infants from birth or develop in adults and the elderly. Dr Singh shares potential symptoms of dacryocystitis that include:
- redness
- excessive tearing
- discharge from the affected eye
- swelling over the nasal side of the eye
In cases of infection, the swelling can be painful. Other symptoms may include watery pus or sticky discharge from the eyes.
Also Read: Common Eye Conditions In Children And Ways To Prevent Them
Treatment for Dacryocystitis
If you experience persistent watering eyes, you must get your eyes checked to avail timely medical intervention. The approach of treatment for this eye condition differs based on the age of the patient. Here is what Dr Singh suggests:
- For infants with congenital blockages, urgent medical attention and opinion of an ophthalmologist is required. Performing crigler massage early is essential. In some cases where intervention is delayed, a simple procedure under anaesthesia can open the blockage, but early action is vital to prevent the hardening of the duct.
- In adults, a test is done to know the position of blockage. In most cases, a surgical procedure called DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy) is necessary to establish a new passage between the eye and nose, restoring proper tear drainage.
If you suspect you may have dacryocystitis, it is essential to consult an eye specialist. They can conduct physical examinations & various tests to determine the cause and severity of the condition. The doctor can then guide you through the treatment options.
In a nutshell, you should never ignore any issue related to your eyes. It could be an initial warning sign of something serious. Besides, pay regular visits to an ophthalmologist for regular eye checkups.
