Which condition is characterized by excessive tearing?

Which condition is characterized by excessive tearing?

• A. Dry eye syndrome
• B. Pinguecula
• C. Lacrimal duct obstruction
• D. Pterygium

Answer: (C)

Excessive tearing happens when tear drainage is blocked, so tears build up and spill over onto the eyelids. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and normally drain through the puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct. If this outflow is obstructed, tears accumulate and the eye appears excessively watery or teary, sometimes with discharge if the area becomes irritated or infected. That’s why obstruction of the tear drainage pathway is the cause of epiphora. Dry eye tends to cause irritation, foreign-body sensation, and fluctuating vision rather than persistent overflow of tears. Pinguecula and pterygium are conjunctival growths from UV exposure and irritation, not primarily about tear drainage, so they are less associated with excessive tearing.

Excessive tearing happens when tear drainage is blocked, so tears build up and spill over onto the eyelids. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and normally drain through the puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct. If this outflow is obstructed, tears accumulate and the eye appears excessively watery or teary, sometimes with discharge if the area becomes irritated or infected. That’s why obstruction of the tear drainage pathway is the cause of epiphora.

Dry eye tends to cause irritation, foreign-body sensation, and fluctuating vision rather than persistent overflow of tears. Pinguecula and pterygium are conjunctival growths from UV exposure and irritation, not primarily about tear drainage, so they are less associated with excessive tearing.