Understanding Tearing Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Sign In

All Posts Conditions Community About

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Tearing Disorders

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

The tear system of the eye typically keeps the eye wet enough to be comfortable without overflowing. The tearing system is comprised of glands that produce the tear fluid, an opening to let the fluid reach the eye, and ducts in the eye’s inner corner into the tear fluid drains. Disorders of the tearing system can be divided into conditions that result in the eyes being too dry and conditions that result in the eyes being too "wet", causing excessive tearing. Each part of the tearing system can cause problems, and many diseases can cause either "wet" or dry eye disorders.

6 people with Tearing Disorders

Learn from others who are experiencing Tearing Disorders.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of tearing disorder differ greatly depending on the specific condition. Symptoms of dry eyes disorder may include: - Pain and irritation, stinging, or burning sensation in the eyes. - Sensitivity to light. - Difficulty using contact lenses. - Blurred vision. - A sensation that resembles having something in the eye. Excessive tearing disorders symptoms may include: - Excessive tearing. - Allergy symptoms, such as itching or sneezing. - Pain in the eye area. - Eye irritation.

Diagnosis

Tearing disorders can be detected during an eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist or an ophthalmic plastic physician. During the exam, the physician will assess both eyes and eyelids and determine the exact condition.

Treatment

Treatment of tearing disorders depends significantly on the specific condition and the cause of it. The physician may prescribe medications or eye drops. In some cases, no treatment is required, and in other cases, surgery is indicated.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Latest Discussions

1E2712

5mo

Curious about Dacryphilia, anyone else?

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences