Why Do Older Eyes Seem to Produce More Tears?

Tears are essential for your eye health and vision. They wash away dust and particles that get in the eyes, and they keep the eyes moist. In some cases, however, the eyes overproduce tears, resulting in discomfort or an embarrassing teary-eyed appearance.

Causes of Watery Eyes

While infection, irritation, allergies, and other causes of watery eyes are common, one of the most common causes of watery eyes and tearing is dry eyes. The body senses that the eyes are dry, so it makes more tears.

You may go through periods of raw, dry eyes, followed by teary eyes. This is a common complaint of older people and is, surprisingly, referred to as dry eye syndrome.

A variety of things cause dry eye syndrome. In general, they are more irritating than dangerous. While some causes are considered medical problems, dry eyes can also occur with normal aging.

The most likely cause is a problem with the Meibomian glands, which are located along the edge of your lower eyelids. These glands normally secrete an oily material that stops tears from evaporating too quickly between blinks. When they're not functioning normally, a condition called Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), you can get dry patches on your eyes. The patches can become sore, and your eyes produce extra tears as a reflex.

Other causes of excessive tearing include:

• Sagging lower eyelids: When the lower eyelid sags or rolls outward, the tears don't drain properly into the puncta. This condition is called ectropion. Eyelids that roll inward (entropion) can also cause excessive tearing. Both these conditions can be resolved through surgery.
• Inflammation or infection: An inflammation or infection of the edges of the eyelid can block drainage ducts, resulting in tearing eyes.
• Blockage: Tear ducts can become blocked or narrowed. Minor surgery can resolve this.
• Eye infections: Infections in the eye, such as pinkeye, can cause tearing.
• Certain autoimmune conditions: Dry eyes can be a common symptom in rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and lupus.

More Serious Issues That Relate to Tearing

If your eyes are tearing and you also have some of the following symptoms, it's important to make an appointment to see your healthcare provider:

• Dry bulging eyes, which may be a sign of thyroid disease
• Dry eyes with changes in vision, which could be a symptom of serious problems
• Dry eyes related to a new lump, which warrants prompt medical attention

What to Do?

There are a few things you can do to keep your eyes from tearing too much:

• Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses to keep out particles and protect from glare.
• Use eye drops: If you notice your eyes are dry, use a few artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. Try to beat the body’s response to dry eyes.
• See your eye doctor: Your eye doctor can check for clogged tear ducts and other causes of watery eyes. They can also give you drops and other recommendations for improving your eye health.