Treatment for Tearing Eyes in Tampa, FL
Tearing problems—like constantly watery eyes or tears running down your face for no reason—are more common than you might think. Whether it’s from a blocked tear duct, eyelid issues, or irritation from dry eye or allergies, excessive tearing (also called epiphora) can be frustrating and disruptive.
At The Mack Cosmetic Center, we specialize in diagnosing the root cause and providing targeted procedures for tearing problems in Tampa to help you feel more comfortable and confident. Using advanced imaging and gentle surgical techniques when needed, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, so your eyes can feel and look their best.
What Is Tearing?
Tearing occurs for one of two reasons:
- The tear drainage system is not properly functioning.
- The eye is producing more tears than needed.
The lacrimal gland and accessory lacrimal glands produce the tears that coat the front of the eye. As we blink, the eyelids spread the tears across the eye’s surface, and push them toward the lower inner corner of the eye. The tears then drain through the lacrimal system into the nasolacrimal duct, which connects the eyes to the nose. Tears will enter the nasolacrimal duct and then travel down the nose into the throat.
What Are the Symptoms of Tearing Eyes?
Patients may have many symptoms from tearing eyes, and this may include foreign body sensation, itchiness, burning, swelling of the eyelids, redness, discharge, crusting, or even decrease in visual acuity.
What are Causes of Tearing Eyes?
Excessive tearing from the eyes can result from two reasons:
1) There is a blockage of the nasal-lacrimal drainage system.
2) There is excess tear production.
Causes of increased tear production, or watery eyes include:
Dry Eye Syndrome With Reflex Tearing
Patients with dry eyes may actually have eye discomfort, which triggers the reflex resulting in production of tears.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
This infection or inflammation of the eye’s outer membrane leads to redness, discharge, and sensitivity. It often triggers an overproduction of tears as the eye attempts to flush out the irritant.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis causes inflammation along the eyelid margins, disrupting the normal tear film. This imbalance can lead to stinging, crusting, and watery eyes throughout the day.
Allergies
Allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust can cause the eyes to itch, swell, and water excessively. The tear production is part of your body’s immune response to the perceived threat.
Malposition Of The Eyelids
When the eyelids turn inward or outward, they can interfere with proper tear distribution and drainage. This often leads to tears spilling over the eyelid or pooling at the lower rim of the eye.
Each of these conditions has its own treatment pathway, which is why a proper diagnosis is key to finding lasting relief.
How are Watery Eyes Diagnosed?
At The Mack Cosmetic Center, we take a thorough and personalized approach to understanding the cause of your watery eyes.
Detailed Medical and Lifestyle History
We start by obtaining an in-depth history to diagnose the etiology of watery eyes, including your medical history, lifestyle, and signs & symptoms. This helps us identify patterns, triggers, and potential contributing factors.
Comprehensive Eye Examination
A thorough eye exam will be performed, including assessment of the cornea, eyelids, and tear film quality to pinpoint signs of irritation or anatomical concerns.
Tear Production and Drainage Testing
This includes testing of the amount of tear production, and testing of the drainage of the nasolacrimal system. A combination of all of these tests will result in the determination of the watery eyes, and the subsequent treatment will be tailored to each patient.
What Is the Treatment for Watery Eyes?
The treatment for watery eyes depends on the multiple etiologies. At The Mack Cosmetic Center, we tailor care to each patient after a full exam. Here’s how different causes are typically addressed:
Dry Eyes With Reflex Tearing
One of the most common is secondary to dry eyes with a reflex tearing which results in the excess tear production. The treatment for these patients may require artificial tears, artificial lubricating ointments, and possibly placement of punctual plugs to decrease the drainage of the tears.
Allergies
Allergic reactions can cause watery, itchy, red eyes. Patients with allergies may be treated with topical anti-allergy drops.
Lacrymal Blockage
Patients with lacrimal blockage may require surgical intervention for their treatment, which is performed on an outpatient basis at an outpatient surgery center under IV (MAC) anesthesia.
Eyelid Malposition (Entropion or Ectropion)
If the eyelids turn inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion), it disrupts tear distribution and drainage. Patients who present with eyelids that are turned inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion) will require surgical intervention to reposition the eyelids to the correct anatomical position to allow both protection of the eye and also to allow proper movement of the eyelid to spread the tears across the surface of the eye.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
This infection can lead to tearing, redness, and discharge. Patients who present with conjunctivitis may require topical antibiotics for treatment.
Blepharitis
Additionally, patients who present with blepharitis may require warm compresses and scrubs as part of their treatment regimen.
What Is the Prognosis for Patients Who Present With Watery Eyes?
Usually, the prognosis for patients who present with watery or tearing eyes at the Mack Center is very good. The most important step is to perform a complete history and examination to determine the etiology of the watery or tearing eyes, and then to subsequently tailor the treatment to treat the particular problem.
Patients with allergies may respond very quickly to anti-allergy drugs, whereas patients with dry eye syndrome may require a longer treatment period to reestablish the proper lubrication of the eyes. Patients with tear drop duct obstruction or eyelid malposition will require outpatient surgery, which is performed under MAC anesthesia with IV sedation, which our patients find to be a pain-free experience.
Once the correct diagnosis of the etiology has been made, patients have an excellent prognosis for the treatment of watering or tearing eyes at the Mack Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my tear ducts are blocked?
Blocked tear ducts often present with symptoms like constant watery eyes, frequent tearing that spills onto the cheeks, eye irritation, and recurrent eye infections. Some patients also notice discharge, blurred vision, or swelling near the inner corner of the eye. If you’re experiencing these issues, a detailed exam at The Mack Center in Tampa can determine whether a tear duct obstruction is the cause. Diagnostic tools like dye disappearance testing or lacrimal irrigation may be used to pinpoint the blockage.
Is surgery always necessary for tearing problems?
Not in every case. Many patients with tearing problems due to dry eyes, allergies, or mild eyelid inflammation can be successfully treated with non-surgical options such as:
- Artificial tear drops
- Punctal plugs
- Topical anti-allergy or anti-inflammatory medications
However, when tearing is caused by a structural problem—like a blocked tear duct, narrowed drainage passage, or eyelid malposition (entropion or ectropion)—surgical correction is often the most effective and lasting solution. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through all your options based on your diagnosis.
Does insurance cover tear duct procedures?
In many cases, yes. Procedures to correct medically necessary conditions, such as blocked tear ducts, excessive tearing affecting vision, or infection risk, are often covered by medical insurance. Cosmetic or elective procedures may not be. At The Mack Center, we can help verify your coverage and provide documentation to support any medically indicated treatment. We also offer guidance on pre-authorizations and cost transparency during your consultation process.
Why Choose The Mack Center for Tearing Treatment in Tampa?
At The Mack Cosmetic Center, we understand how frustrating chronic tearing and watery eyes can be—not just medically, but emotionally and socially. That’s why we approach every case with a blend of medical precision and cosmetic sensitivity, helping you regain both comfort and confidence.
Led by Dr. William Mack, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon with national and international recognition, our team specializes in advanced eyelid and tear duct procedures. Whether your tearing is caused by a blocked nasolacrimal duct, eyelid malposition, or chronic irritation, we provide thorough diagnostics and customized treatment plans to address the root of the issue, not just the symptoms.
Our procedures are performed in a comfortable outpatient setting with IV (MAC) sedation when needed, ensuring a pain-free experience and quicker recovery. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, you’ll receive attentive, respectful, and highly personalized care. As a multi-year recipient of the Best Cosmetic Surgeon – Best of South Tampa award, we’re proud to be a trusted name in oculofacial surgery throughout the Tampa Bay area.
At The Mack Center, you’re more than a diagnosis—you’re a partner in your own care. Let us help you find lasting relief from tearing problems with the highest standards of safety, precision, and compassion.
Find Relief from Watery Eyes—Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing chronic tearing, watery eyes, or suspect a tear duct or eyelid issue, don’t wait to seek care. At The Mack Cosmetic Center in Tampa, FL, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tearing problems with precision, compassion, and a focus on long-term relief.
Whether you need a thorough evaluation, medical management, or surgical intervention, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll answer your questions, walk you through your options, and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. For more information on Tearing Problems, contact Dr. Mack’s office to schedule a consultation today.
