Guide To The Causes Of Epiphora
Epiphora is a watery eye condition that results in tears overflowing onto the face without any notable reason for the problem. This means the tear drainage system in one or both of an individual's eyes isn't working the way it should be. While tears are supposed to drain through the nasolacrimal system in the eyes, epiphora bypasses this system and sends them onto the face instead. Epiphora is very common among infants under one year of age and seniors over sixty years old. Most of the causes of this condition can be effectively treated. The treatment patients are provided with usually depends on how severe their epiphora is, and certain causes may require surgery to correct. The symptoms patients experience with epiphora include an ongoing redness in the affected eye, reduced vision, and swelling or pain around their eyes. Learn about what may cause epiphora now.
Allergic Rhinitis
A very common cause of epiphora is allergic rhinitis, which is a condition that occurs when a harmless substance brings about an allergic reaction. Commonly referred to as hay fever, this condition is usually a response to such allergens as pollen, cat saliva, mold, and dust mites. Some of the symptoms patients will experience when suffering from allergic rhinitis include headaches, fatigue, coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. Their eyes can also become itchy and watery to the point where they may develop epiphora. It's possible to experience these symptoms all year long or on a seasonal basis. While this condition can affect practically anyone, it's more prevalent in individuals with a family history of allergies. A couple of additional risk factors include the presence of eczema and asthma. The irritation caused by this condition can worsen epiphora with certain external factors like air pollution, hairspray, cold temperatures, humidity, and cigarette smoke.
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Ingrown Eyelash
A variety of infections and inflammations, among the most common of which is an ingrown eyelash, can cause patients to experience epiphora. The area around an ingrown eyelash can become infected and cause symptoms like swelling and watery eyes. This condition occurs when an eyelash grows inward as opposed to outward. While the initial stages of this condition won't cause much irritation, it's likely patients will develop epiphora as well as a range of additional symptoms as the eyelash grows. Ingrown eyelashes are particularly common among adults and can affect the lower and upper eyelids. Patients might have a higher risk of developing an ingrown eyelash because of trauma to the area or inflammation from another condition or disease, such as trichiasis and distichiasis. Along with the case of epiphora patients will likely experience when suffering from an ingrown eyelash, their eyes will also redden and become sore to the touch. Relief from this condition is only felt once the eyelash is removed.
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Injury To The Eye
An injury to the eye is a very common problem for many reasons. This broad term describes any form of chemical or physical would to the eye or the eye socket. If blunt force has occurred to the eye while an individual was playing sports or because they were involved in a car accident, the injury will oftentimes cause blood to collect underneath the portion of the eye where the trauma took place, which will lead to a range of symptoms like epiphora. Some of the other common symptoms with an eye injury include pain, cuts to the eyelid, issues with vision, and blood in the clear portion of the eye. The treatment method depends on what caused the injury and how severe the symptoms are. Minor injuries may only require the application of a cold pack to the area. Once the injury has been treated, the epiphora should go away.
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Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common condition that results in the patient's eyelids becoming reddened and inflamed. The follicles of hair on the edge of the eyelids are comprised of oil glands that can become irritated or clogged for any number of reasons. This irritation may lead to the development of this condition. Along with the watery eyes that occur with this inflammation, some additional symptoms patients will experience include red eyes, a burning sensation, itchy eyelids, a crust around the eyelashes, and a certain amount of sensitivity to light. Individuals should keep in mind these symptoms are similar to those felt with more serious infections and diseases, which is why it's important to obtain medical treatment when experiencing such symptoms. The eyelid inflammation patients experience can be treated with antibiotics and steroid medications.
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Tear Duct Obstruction
Almost all of the issues on this list will cause the tear ducts to stop working properly. Tear duct obstructions take place within the nasolacrimal ducts located around the inner corner of the eyes. These ducts will usually drain some of the water in the eyes to prevent water buildup. It's possible for these ducts to become blocked because of an infection, swelling, or inflammation. When the ducts have become narrowed or obstructed in any way, it's likely the individual will experience a severe case of epiphora. While epiphora is a major issue patients need to deal with until they receive treatment for the obstruction, other problems that can occur because of this obstruction include infection and inflammation of the nose. A sticky liquid may also be produced, which may worsen symptoms.