University Village : (206) 522-9323
Pike Place : (206) 448-7739
Menu

Eye Tearing Explained: Seattle’s Top Triggers

Do your eyes constantly water in Seattle’s damp climate? Eye tearing—also known as epiphora—can signal anything from dry eye syndrome to blocked tear ducts. Discover what’s causing yours and how to treat it.

Key Takeaways: Managing Eye Tearing (Epiphora) in Seattle

  • Dry eye is Seattle’s top cause of tearing, often triggered by screen overuse, wind exposure, and indoor heating.

  • Allergies are a major seasonal culprit, especially during spring and summer when pollen and mold levels rise.

  • Persistent tearing may signal deeper issues, such as blocked tear ducts, eyelid abnormalities, or infections—professional evaluation is crucial.

  • Infants and older adults are more likely to experience tear drainage problems due to anatomical or age-related factors.

  • Seattle’s climate plays a role—damp air, fluctuating humidity, and environmental irritants amplify symptoms.

  • At-home remedies like warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, and screen breaks can provide relief for mild to moderate cases.

  • Advanced diagnostics at Cannon EyeCare include tear film analysis, drainage testing, and eyelid assessments to pinpoint root causes.

  • Treatment is highly personalized, ranging from lubricating drops and anti-allergy meds to tear duct procedures or eyelid surgery.

  • Prevention matters: Blink more during screen time, manage allergens indoors, stay hydrated, and wear wind-protective eyewear outdoors

Understanding Eye Tearing (Epiphora) in Seattle

Epiphora (excessive eye tearing) occurs when tears overflow onto the face due to:

  • Overproduction: Reflex tearing from irritation

  • Drainage Issues: Blocked tear ducts

Common Causes at Cannon EyeCare:

  • Dry Eye Syndrome: Paradoxically triggers compensatory tearing

  • Seattle Allergies: Pollen and mold during spring/summer

  • Age-Related Changes: Blocked tear ducts

  • Eyelid Conditions: Ectropion (outward turning) or entropion (inward turning)

  • Environmental Factors: Wind, cold, or urban pollution

  • Infections: Conjunctivitis or blepharitis

“Chronic tearing often involves multiple factors, with dry eye and eyelid malposition being primary causes in adults.”

When Does Eye Tearing Require Urgent Care?

While often temporary, persistent tearing may indicate serious conditions. Seek immediate attention at Cannon EyeCare for:

  • Sudden vision changes

  • Severe eye pain or redness

  • Thick yellow/green discharge

  • Recent eye trauma

  • Inability to keep eyes open

Schedule a Seattle Eye Exam If You Experience:

  • Tearing lasting 7+ days

  • Blurred vision with tearing

  • Recurrent redness or swelling

Seattle-Specific Insight:

Our damp climate exacerbates allergy-related tearing and dry eye. For unexplained epiphora, our specialists use meibography and tear osmolarity testing to identify root causes.

Top Causes of Eye Tearing in Seattle

Understanding local triggers helps manage epiphora effectively:

A. Dry Eye Syndrome

Why: Indoor heating, wind exposure, and prolonged screen time destabilize tears.
Symptoms: Burning, grittiness, intermittent blurring, and reflexive tearing.
Seattle Insight: Humidity fluctuations and tech-industry screen use make this our most diagnosed cause at Cannon EyeCare.

B. Allergies & Environmental Triggers

Common Triggers: Cherry/pine pollen (spring), grass (summer), mold spores, and pet dander.
Symptoms: Intense itching, redness, and watery discharge.

C. Blocked Tear Ducts

High-Risk Groups: Infants, seniors, and post-infection patients.
Symptoms: Persistent tear pooling, recurrent infections, or inner-eye swelling.

D. Eyelid and Eyelash Issues

Conditions: Blepharitis (inflammation), entropion (inward lids), ectropion (outward lids), trichiasis (misdirected lashes).
Symptoms: Chronic redness, crusting, and irritation-induced tearing.

E. Other Contributing Factors

Diagnosing Eye Tearing at Cannon EyeCare

Step 1: Self-Assessment

Track symptoms for Seattle eye doctors:

  • Daily tearing patterns and triggers

  • Associated symptoms (redness, itching)

  • Screen time and environmental exposures

Step 2: Professional Evaluation in Seattle

Our specialists use advanced diagnostics:

  • Slit-lamp exam for surface issues

  • Tear breakup time (TBUT) for dry eye

  • Schirmer’s test for tear production

  • Dye disappearance test for drainage

  • Tear duct probing for blockages

Key Questions We Address:

  • Root cause of your tearing

  • Underlying conditions (allergies, eyelid issues)

  • Personalized treatment options

Effective Treatments for Watery Eyes in Seattle

Home Management

  • Warm compresses (twice daily) to unblock ducts

  • Gentle eyelid hygiene with hypoallergenic cleansers

  • Humidity control during Seattle’s dry seasons

  • Screen breaks every 20 minutes

  • Wind-blocking sunglasses outdoors

Medical Therapies

  • Preservative-free artificial tears

  • Antihistamine drops for pollen/mold reactions

  • Prescription anti-inflammatory drops

Procedures at Our Seattle Clinic

  • Tear duct probing/stenting for blockages

  • Punctal plugs for severe dry eye

  • Eyelid surgery for malposition

Special Considerations

  • Infants: Most duct blockages resolve by age 1

  • Seniors: Surgical correction for age-related changes

  • Tech Workers: Blue-light management strategies

Preventing Eye Tearing in Seattle’s Climate

Proactively reduce epiphora with these Seattle-tested strategies:

  • Boost Blinking Frequency: Consciously blink more during screen work

  • Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, pause screens to view distant objects for 20 seconds

  • Manage Allergens: Keep windows closed during Seattle’s high-pollen seasons; use HEPA air purifiers

  • Maintain Hydration: Drink 8+ glasses of water daily to support tear production

  • Shield Your Eyes: Wear wrap-style sunglasses on windy Alki Beach walks or sunny Lake Union days

  • Daily Eyelid Care: Clean lids with hypoallergenic wipes if prone to blepharitis

Personalized Treatment Approaches at Cannon EyeCare

Dry Eye-Related Tearing

  • Home Care: Warm compresses + preservative-free artificial tears

  • Medical: Prescription anti-inflammatory drops or punctal plugs

  • Surgery: Rarely required

Allergy-Induced Tearing

  • Home Care: Allergen avoidance + OTC antihistamine drops

  • Medical: Oral medications or immunotherapy

  • Surgery: Not applicable

Blocked Tear Ducts

  • Home Care: Gentle massage (infants) + warm compresses

  • Medical: In-office probing or stenting

  • Surgical: Dacryocystorhinostomy (tear duct surgery)

Eyelid Conditions

  • Home Care: Daily hygiene + compress therapy

  • Medical: Antibiotic ointments for infections

  • Surgical: Eyelid repositioning procedures

Infection-Driven Tearing

  • Home Care: Strict lid hygiene

  • Medical: Antibiotic/antiviral drops

  • Surgical: Rarely indicated

Excessive eye tearing can be more than a minor annoyance—it often points to underlying issues like dry eye, allergies, or tear duct problems, especially in Seattle’s unique climate. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment, relief is within reach.

Don’t let persistent tearing blur your vision.
Schedule an eye exam at Cannon EyeCare today to uncover the root cause and get personalized care that restores comfort and clarity.

Contact Us

FAQs

Related Posts