Tearing (Watery Eyes)

Constantly watery eyes can be frustrating and embarrassing, making you look like you’re always crying or upset. While tearing might seem like a simple problem, there are actually many causes that require different treatments. Our specialists have extensive experience diagnosing exactly why your eyes are tearing and providing effective solutions that can finally give you relief from this annoying condition.

What is Excessive Tearing?

Excessive tearing happens when your eyes produce too many tears or when the tears can’t drain properly from your eyes. Your tear system is like a sink – you need the right amount of water coming in and a good drain to carry it away. When this balance gets messed up, tears overflow and run down your face. This can happen because your tear ducts are blocked, your eyelids aren’t working right, your eyes are too dry (which sounds backwards but actually makes you tear more), or your tear film has the wrong consistency.

The key is figuring out which part of your tear system isn’t working properly so we can fix the right thing. Learn more about our consultation process to find out what’s causing your tearing problem.

What Can Tearing Treatment Accomplish?

Treating excessive tearing can solve several frustrating problems:

Stop tears from constantly running down your face
Eliminate the embarrassment of looking like you’re always crying
Improve your vision by clearing away excess moisture
Prevent skin irritation around your eyes from constant wetness

Tearing Treatment Techniques

The treatment depends on what’s causing your tearing problem:

Tear Duct Surgery (DCR)

When your main tear drain is blocked, we create a new pathway for tears to flow from your eye into your nose. This can be done through a small incision near your nose or through your nose with no external scar.

Punctal Plugs or Surgery

If the tiny openings where tears enter your drain system are too small or blocked, we can make them bigger or keep them open with small plugs.

Eyelid Position Repair

When your lower eyelid sags away from your eye, tears can’t drain properly. We tighten the eyelid so it sits against your eye the way it should.

Dry Eye Treatment

Sometimes tearing is actually caused by dry eyes that are overcompensating. We treat the dryness with drops, medications, or procedures that help your eyes make better quality tears.

Procedures Commonly Combined with Tearing Treatment

Tearing problems often require multiple approaches:

Eyelid Repair

If your eyelids are turned in or out, we fix their position along with addressing the tear drainage problem for complete relief.

Dry Eye Management

Many patients need ongoing dry eye treatment even after tear duct surgery to maintain comfortable, properly lubricated eyes.

Blepharitis Treatment

Eyelid inflammation often contributes to tearing problems, so we treat the underlying lid condition along with the drainage issues.

Allergy Management

Sometimes allergies cause excessive tearing, and we work with allergy specialists to control the underlying triggers.

How Much Does Tearing Treatment Cost?

Most treatments for excessive tearing are covered by insurance when the problem significantly affects your daily life or vision. This includes tear duct surgery, eyelid repairs, and diagnostic testing to determine the cause. Insurance companies recognize that chronic tearing isn’t just a cosmetic issue – it can interfere with driving, reading, and other normal activities. We handle the insurance paperwork and get pre-authorization when needed.

Recovery & Results

Recovery depends on which type of treatment you need. Simple procedures like punctal plugs can be done in the office with no downtime. Tear duct surgery usually requires 1-2 weeks of taking it easy, with some swelling and bruising around your nose and eye area. Most people go back to work within a week, though you should avoid heavy lifting and exercise for about two weeks. The success rate for tear duct surgery is very high – around 90-95% of patients get significant relief from their tearing. You might have some temporary stuffiness in your nose as everything heals, but this goes away as the swelling goes down.

Candidates for Tearing Treatment

You might benefit from tearing treatment if you have:

Tears that constantly run down your face without any emotional reason
Vision problems from excessive moisture in your eyes
Skin irritation around your eyes from constant wetness
Difficulty with daily activities because of tearing

LEADERS IN OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY IN HOUSTON, THE WOODLANDS, TX AND PENSACOLA, FL

Houston, TX Location

At our Houston office, we deliver advanced cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery techniques in a welcoming environment. Our experienced team focuses on achieving natural-looking results tailored to each person’s unique anatomy and goals.

Schedule a Consultation at our Houston Location

The Woodlands, TX Location

In The Woodlands, we offer consultations and clinic services, providing our expertise, artistry, and exceptional care to points north of Houston.

Schedule a Consultation at The Woodlands Location

Pensacola, FL Location

At our Pensacola office, we deliver advanced eyelid surgery techniques in a serene coastal environment. Our experienced team focuses on achieving natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Schedule a Consultation at The Pensacola Location

Frequently Asked Questions About Tearing Treatment

Why do my eyes tear more when it's windy or cold outside?

Wind and cold air make your eyes produce reflex tears to protect themselves, just like when you get something in your eye. If your tear drainage system isn’t working properly, these extra tears have nowhere to go except down your face. This is actually a good clue that you might have a drainage problem rather than an overproduction problem.

Can dry eyes really cause excessive tearing?

This sounds backwards, but yes – dry eyes are actually one of the most common causes of tearing. When your eyes feel dry or irritated, they try to wash away the problem by producing lots of watery tears. Unfortunately, these reflex tears are mostly just salt water and don’t have the oils and other ingredients needed to properly lubricate your eyes, so the dryness continues and the cycle repeats.

How do you test to see if my tear ducts are blocked?

We have several ways to check your tear drainage system. We might put a small amount of dye in your eye and see if it drains into your nose properly, or we can flush saline through your tear ducts to see if there are any blockages. Sometimes we need special scans to get a detailed picture of exactly where the problem is located.

Is tear duct surgery painful?

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable tear duct surgery is. We use numbing medicine during the procedure, and afterward most people describe it as similar to having a sinus infection – some stuffiness and mild aching, but not severe pain. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually enough to keep you comfortable while you heal.

Will my tearing problem come back after treatment?

The success rate for tear duct surgery is very high, with most patients getting long-lasting relief. However, like any part of your body, the drainage system can develop new blockages over time. The good news is that most patients stay comfortable for many years after treatment, and if problems do return, they can usually be treated successfully again.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Ready to stop the constant tearing and finally get relief from watery eyes? Contact our offices in Houston, The Woodlands, or Pensacola, FL, today to schedule a personalized consultation with our expert surgeons. Let us help you figure out what’s causing your tearing problem and fix it so you can see clearly without embarrassing overflow with the specialized tear duct expertise you need.

Contact Us

Reconstructive Procedures

Tearing