Epiphora is a term derived from the Greek language, where "epi" means "upon" and "phora" means "to carry." In the English language, it refers to a medical condition characterized by excessive tearing or a persistent overflow of tears onto the cheeks due to an abnormal eye lubrication or drainage process. Also known as watery eyes or tearing, epiphora is a common symptom often caused by various underlying factors.
The excessive production of tears can arise from a range of reasons, such as irritation, inflammation, or obstruction within the tear drainage system. These factors may include eye allergies, conjunctivitis, foreign objects in the eye, dry eye syndrome, eye infections, eyelid malpositions, blocked tear ducts, or even certain medications. Additionally, trauma, eye strain, exposure to wind or bright lights, or certain medical conditions like Bell's palsy can trigger epiphora as well.
Epiphora can significantly impact one's quality of life, leading to discomfort, blurred vision, and emotional distress. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to alleviate the symptoms and address the underlying cause. Treatment options often depend on the specific cause, ranging from simple measures like warm compresses, artificial tears, and avoidance of irritants, to more complex interventions like medication, surgical procedures, or punctal plugs to block the tear drainage system temporarily.
Overall, epiphora is a term used to define the condition where excessive tearing occurs, necessitating medical attention to identify the cause and address the symptoms effectively.
