Why Do I Have Tearing

Is It Due to a Blocked Tear Duct or Dry Eyes?

When someone cries, they’re usually feeling strong emotions, and the last thing they’re wondering is how their tears are produced. But what about when the eyes tear up when someone isn’t crying? Before we can answer that question, it’s important to understand that all tears come from a combination of three components.

First, the lacrimal gland, which sits under the upper eyelid by the lateral brow, produces the aqueous or water portion of your tears. Second, the meibomian glands, which are minuscule glands that line the lid margins, secrete oil that coats the eye. Lastly, the goblet cells, which are on the white of the eye, produce mucin. These three elements, working together, make up a healthy tear film on the eye.

However, if one of these components is out of sync with the others, it can result in tearing. This is a condition in which tears can puddle on the lower lid margin or in some cases overflow and spill down the face. At times, it can be a natural reaction; for example, when a person walks through cold, windy weather or if they read for long periods of time, the eyes get dry. In an attempt to catch up with any dry spots, the eyes will create more tears. However, when this occurs frequently and without a clear reason, it’s important to seek medical help.

When we see a patient with this ophthalmic issue, our first priority is to determine whether or not the glands/cells of the eye are functioning in their appropriate manner. It could be that any one or more of these three key components of your tears are not producing enough to keep the ocular surface happy, resulting in reflex tearing in an attempt to catch up. If this is not the issue, there could be a blockage in the punctum, canaliculus or nasolacrimal duct, all of which make up the tear drainage system allowing tears to naturally drip into the nose. Yet another cause could be a loose eyelid that doesn’t blink moisture across the eye properly.

A method we use to determine the issue is to apply fluorescein, a special dye that sticks to the eye, and any delay in dye drainage from the eye after 10 minutes could suggest the drainage system or the lid blinking function is compromised. This can be further evaluated with a special irrigation technique to detect any possible areas of blockage in the tear drainage system.

With a detailed evaluation, we can determine what is causing the problem and take steps to repair it. If you or a family member are having problems with tearing, call our office today at (703) 620-4300 to set up an appointment.

Meet Dr. Scott - Your Dedicated Oculoplastic Surgeon

Renowned for his commitment to enhancing your eyelid and facial appearance while prioritizing your safety. Dr. Scott is board-certified in Ophthalmology and has specialized fellowship training in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  With extensive training at prestigious institutions, including the Medical College of Virginia, Manhattan Eye, Ear, & Throat Hospital, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Scott brings a wealth of expertise to his craft. His accolades, including recognition as a Top Plastic Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine, underscore his dedication to excellence. Dr. Scott's passion lies in helping you achieve the best aesthetic results while safeguarding your eyesight.

Location: Fairfax - Northern Virginia

Areas of Expertise: Cosmetic laser eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ), ptosis surgery, treatment of benign and malignant eyelid cancers, correction of eyelid malposition – ectropion, entropion repair, and Botox and filler treatment.