Tears keep the exposed surface of the eye moist. Excessive tearing (epiphora) occurs normally when a person is upset. Tearing can also result from disorders of the external surface of the eye, problems of the tear drainage system or flaccid lower eyelids. When the lacrimal system works well, the eyelids distribute tears over the surface of the eye each time a person blinks and pump the excess into a duct that drains into the nose. If a tear duct is blocked, tears back up and the excess spills over the eyelid and run down the face.
Blurred vision, tears running down the side of the face, possible infection from stagnant tears
Dry Eye
Surgery to eliminate the obstruction of the tear duct
