Watery Eye Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Tearing is a normal function of the eye. Excessive tearing can be a sign of an underlying health conditions or disease. The tears of the of eye come from the tear gland, called the lacrimal gland, which is located above the outer eye. Tears are composed of water, oil, and antibodies. The moisture from tears on the front of the eye, the cornea, is important to avoid damage of the cornea. The tears drain from the eye through the tear ducts (lacrimal ducts). If the tear ducts become blocked, tears can well up in the eye and fall excessively.
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REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Watery Eye
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Allergy An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...learn more »In This ArticleAllergy Article- Allergy facts
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- Asthma
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- Allergic Eczema
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- In the air we breathe
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Blepharitis Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Acne rosacea, Staphylococcal bacteria, allergies, sensitivities to makeup or contact...learn more »In This ArticleBlepharitis Article- What is blepharitis?
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- Blepharitis At A Glance
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Common Cold The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms...learn more »In This ArticleCommon Cold Article- What is the common cold, and what causes it?
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- Common Cold At A Glance
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Dry Eyes Dry eyes are caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, but also can be caused by the drying out of the tear...learn more »In This ArticleDry Eyes Article- Dry eye syndrome facts
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Eye Allergy Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics...learn more »In This ArticleEye Allergy Article- Eye allergy facts
- Eye allergy introduction
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- What is the basic anatomy of the outer eye?
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Pink Eye Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the...learn more »In This ArticlePink Eye Article- Pink eye facts
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Trachoma Trachoma is an infectious disease caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Symptoms and signs include redness and irritation...learn more »In This ArticleTrachoma Article- What is trachoma? Is trachoma contagious?
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- What research is being done on trachoma?
- Trachoma At A Glance
Other Causes of Watery Eye
- Crying (with Depression, Grief, Pain, or Sadness)
- Ectropion
- Foreign Body in the Eye
- Infection (Viruses, Trachoma)
- Medications
- Tear Duct Blockage (From Injury or Infiltrative Diseases, Such As Amyloidosis or Sarcoidosis)
- Trauma Injury (From Objects in Eye or Direct Blow)
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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