Watery eyes are common, requiring thorough assessment of both the tear supply and tear drainage system.
The Tear System
The lacrimal or tear system produces watery or aqueous tears and along with the eyelids, lashes and brows, protect the eye from irritants, pollutants, foreign bodies and infection.
Comprising of a set of glands, sacs and ducts the tear system of each eye continually produces a fresh supply of tears and drains old ones away.
The lacrimal gland is located under the outer aspect of the upper lid, just below the brow area; releasing aqueous which is distributed across the eye surface with each blink. These tears contain antimicrobials, proteins and electrolytes- all to maintain a healthy eye surface.
As we blink tears exit through the puncta (two little drainage holes situated on the edge of each lid near our nose), further blinking allows tears to be pumped into the lacrimal sac before escaping down the nose.
Watery eyes can indicate a blockage in this tear drainage system or an irregularity of the eye lid margin which may allow the tears to simply ‘fall’ out of the eye. This type of watery eye would usually occur in one eye only, and be of a fairly constant nature.
Meibomian or Oil Glands
Healthy eyes have around 60 meibomian glands distributed between the upper and lower lid. They release clear oil or lipid into the tear film with each blink. The lipid provides additional lubrication and prevents undue evaporation or escape of the aqueous layer – thus allowing for a clear, smooth optical surface to the eye.
In the case of lipid deficiency, the pH or acidity level of our tears is disrupted, creating a ‘toxic tear syndrome’, whereby tears become an irritant. This leads to further watering of the eyes as they attempt to refresh the eye surface.
Lipid deficient or evaporative dry eye tends to bother both eyes and will lead to more intermittent watering rather than a constant watery eye.
Reach out for an accurate diagnosis
When you visit us we will ask you a series of questions, carefully examine your tear supply and drainage system along with ensuring your eyelids are healthy and correctly positioned to aid a good lacrimal and tear system.
Meibomian gland dysfunction is of special interest to us at Eyes of Howick and one where we will work closely with you to enhance your tear-film quality.
If we suspect tear drainage insufficiency we will advise on referral to an Ophthalmologist who has specialty in this area whom after further investigation will present you with the best solution.