Watery Eyes in Adults

Excessive watering of the eyes, or epiphora, in adults can have different causes, such as a blocked tear duct, dry eye or eye irritation.

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It affects 10–20% of people over the age of 50.

Acquired tear duct obstruction is the most common cause of epiphora in adults.

Tear duct surgery is safe, minimally invasive and offers a quick recovery.

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What are excessively watery eyes in adults?

Watery eyes in adults can be caused by an imbalance in the production or drainage of tears. Tears protect and lubricate the eye, but when there are too many or their drainage is impaired, the eyes can be constantly moist or watery.

This problem may be due to blockages in the tear drainage system, changes in tear quality or eye inflammation.

When should you see an ophthalmologist?

✅ Eyes that are constantly moist or watery.
✅ A burning, itching or irritated feeling.
✅ Occasional blurred vision due to a build-up of tears.
✅ Discharge from the eyes, especially in the morning.
✅ Swelling or redness around the tear sac area.
✅ Recurrent infections of the tear sac (dacryocystitis).

If watery eyes are interfering with your daily life, an eye examination is advisable to identify the cause and decide on the right treatment.

Why do eyes water excessively?

🔹 Blocked tear duct: The tear drainage system can narrow or become blocked with age, preventing tears from draining normally.
🔹 Dry eye: Insufficient or poor-quality tears cause irritation, which paradoxically triggers reflex watering.
🔹 Blepharitis: Chronic inflammation of the eyelids that affects the stability of the tear film.
🔹 Ectropion: The eyelid turns outwards, making tear drainage difficult.
🔹 Nasal problems: Conditions such as rhinitis or polyps can affect proper tear drainage.
🔹 Foreign bodies or allergies: Environmental factors or allergies can trigger excessive tear production.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, so an accurate diagnosis is essential.

An eye examination to identify the cause.

At Clínica Ramírez & Gálvez, we carry out specific tests to assess the tear system and determine the cause of the watering.

🔹 Fluorescein test: Dye drops are placed in the eye to assess tear drainage.
🔹 Examination of the lacrimal punctum: We check whether the tear duct opening is open or blocked.
🔹 Dacryocystography: An X-ray test with contrast to view the tear duct.
🔹 Schirmer test: Measures the amount of tear production in cases of dry eye.
🔹 Eyelid assessment: The position of the eyelids is examined to detect ectropion or other abnormalities.

Our Clinic

Unique spaces designed with one philosophy: excellence in caring for your eyes.

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Detailed Diagnosis

A trusted environment where we listen to you, carry out a detailed diagnosis and design a personalised treatment plan together.

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Commitment to Excellence

A team of professionals led by Drs. Ramírez and Gálvez with a dual commitment: medical excellence and close, human care.

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Cutting-Edge Technology

Equipped with the latest technology to ensure diagnoses of maximum precision and to plan every treatment with complete safety.

Answers to your questions

We answer the most common questions about watery eyes in adults. Find all the information you need here to make your decision with complete confidence.

It may be due to a blocked tear duct, dry eye or eyelid problems. An eye examination is advisable.

In some cases, yes. Depending on the cause, medical treatments such as eye drops, massage or tear duct probing may be enough.

If the tear duct blockage is severe and the watering persists despite other treatments, surgery is the best option.

It is a minimally invasive procedure that creates a new channel for tear drainage, with a high success rate.

It can lead to recurrent infections, chronic discomfort and effects on vision.