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Book an appointment. With a red, tender swelling at the side of the nose: contact a doctor quickly.
Why is my eye watering?
Tears are formed in the tear gland and drain out through two small openings in the inner part of the eyelids and on down into the nose. The eye waters if the drainage is blocked or if the eye produces too many tears.
Poor drainage
- Blocked tear duct, often with age
- A loose lower eyelid that turns outwards
Too many tears
- Dry eyes, which cause reflex tearing
- Blepharitis and allergy
- Lashes that turn inwards and irritate the eye
Examination
We examine the position of the eyelids and the surface of the eye, and we can flush the tear duct with saline to see whether it is open.
Treatment
- Treatment of dry eyes or blepharitis when they are the cause
- Surgery for eyelids that turn outwards or inwards
- Surgery on the tear duct in hospital if it is permanently blocked
Infection of the tear sac
A red, tender, swollen lump at the side of the nose below the eye can be an infection of the tear sac and must be treated with antibiotics. Contact a doctor quickly.
This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.