Watery or Tearing Eyes

Watery or Tearing Eyes Excessive tearing is a surprisingly common complaint in patients over 65 and is often misunderstood, since watery eyes can actually be a sign of dryness rather than too much moisture. Other causes include blocked tear ducts, which prevent tears from draining properly, and eyelid malposition such as entropion or ectropion, which can pull the eyelid away from the eye's surface or cause lashes to rub against it, both triggering reflex tearing.
Diagnosing the true cause requires a comprehensive eyelid and tear-duct evaluation, since treating the wrong underlying issue won't resolve the symptom. Depending on the cause, treatment may range from simple drop regimens to in-office procedures like punctal dilation or, for structural blockages, tear duct surgery. Most patients find significant relief once the correct underlying cause is identified and addressed.