Watery eyes are a common concern. While many causes are benign, some wonder if excessive tearing might signal a more serious underlying issue like glaucoma. Understanding the typical origins of watery eyes and the nature of glaucoma helps clarify this connection.
Common Causes of Watery Eyes
Excessive tearing, medically termed epiphora, occurs when the eyes produce too many tears or when tears do not drain properly. Many factors unrelated to glaucoma can lead to watery eyes. Environmental irritants like smoke, wind, or dust trigger a reflex tearing response as the eye attempts to flush out foreign particles. Allergies can also cause eyes to become red, itchy, and watery.
Paradoxically, dry eye syndrome is a frequent cause of watery eyes. When the eye surface lacks sufficient lubrication, it can become irritated, prompting the lacrimal glands to produce tears to compensate. Infections like conjunctivitis lead to inflammation and increased tear production. Blocked or narrowed tear ducts prevent tears from draining, causing them to pool and overflow. Eyelid problems, such as eyelids turning inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion), or even ingrown eyelashes, can also irritate the eye and result in tearing.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that progressively damage the optic nerve. This damage often occurs due to abnormally high pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss and can frequently advance without noticeable symptoms in its initial stages.
The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, typically develops slowly and silently, often showing no symptoms until vision loss is significant. Angle-closure glaucoma can manifest suddenly with severe symptoms, representing a medical emergency. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, leading to blind spots, usually starting in the peripheral vision. Watery eyes are generally not a primary symptom of common forms of glaucoma.
The Connection Between Glaucoma and Watery Eyes
For most people with glaucoma, especially those with primary open-angle glaucoma, watery eyes are not a direct or typical symptom. This form primarily affects peripheral vision over time, often without discomfort or noticeable changes in tearing. However, specific, less common scenarios and indirect factors can link glaucoma and watery eyes.
Certain eye drops used to manage glaucoma can cause irritation, redness, or dryness. This ocular surface irritation can then trigger reflex tearing, leading to watery eyes. Preservatives found in some glaucoma medications, such as benzalkonium chloride, can disrupt the tear film and contribute to dry eye symptoms, which can cause compensatory tearing.
In acute angle-closure glaucoma, a sudden and severe rise in eye pressure occurs. This condition is an emergency and can cause intense eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos around lights, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Due to the severe irritation and pain, excessive tearing can accompany these symptoms.
Congenital glaucoma, a rare form present at birth or developing in infancy, can also cause watery eyes. In affected infants, excessive tearing is often observed along with light sensitivity and an enlargement of the eye. These symptoms arise from the improper development of the eye’s drainage system.
Following glaucoma surgery, it is normal for the eye to be watery and sore during the recovery process. This tearing is usually temporary, resulting from the healing process and temporary irritation, and typically resolves as the eye recovers.
Glaucoma Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice
Recognizing glaucoma symptoms is important for early detection and management. The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, often progresses without early warning signs, with the gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision being the primary symptom. As the disease advances, this can lead to “tunnel vision.” Because vision loss is often gradual and painless, many people do not notice changes until significant damage has occurred.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma, while less common, presents with sudden, severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. These include intense eye pain, sudden blurry vision, eye redness, and seeing colored halos around lights. Nausea and vomiting can also accompany the severe eye pain.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for detecting glaucoma early, especially for individuals over 40 or those with risk factors like a family history. An eye care professional can measure eye pressure, examine the optic nerve, and test visual fields to identify the disease before significant vision loss occurs. Promptly seeking medical attention for any sudden severe eye pain, changes in vision, or persistent, unexplained watery eyes is advisable, as these could indicate various eye conditions, including acute glaucoma.