Having one runny eye or both eyes that weep can be a natural and benign occurrence but can sometimes be a sign of an underlying eye problem. A medical opinion is particularly advised when the lacrimation appears in an excessive and unexplained way.

What is tearing for?

Generally speaking, tearing is a normal phenomenon. Produced by the lacrimal glands, tears allow a permanent moistening and protection of the cornea. Located at the front of the eye, the cornea is a fibrous and transparent membrane essential for vision.

In which cases should you be concerned?

In some cases, the tearing may become excessive and inconvenient. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• redness, with eyes that turn red;
• itches, with itchy, even itchy eyes;
• pains, with an eye that hurts.

When excessive, unexplained, bothersome, or accompanied by other symptoms, tearing may be the sign of an underlying eye problem. A medical consultation is recommended.

There are many possible explanations for the “weeping eye” phenomenon. Among the most common are:

• obstruction of the tear ducts, which prevents the normal evacuation of tears;
• eye inflammation, which are sometimes the consequence of an obstruction of the tear ducts;
• a problem with the eyelids ;
• dry eye, with the occurrence of dry eye syndrome which can cause eye irritation and tearing.

Runny eye from obstructed tear ducts

The eyes may start to cry when the tear passages no longer allow the tears to flow. The obstruction can have different reasons including presence of superficial foreign bodies or the formation of cysts.

Weeping eyes when inflamed

Abnormal tearing can also be a sign of inflammation. The inflammatory reaction can occur in different parts of the eye. We distinguish in particular:

• dacryocystitis, which is inflammation of the tear sac;
• la keratitis, which is an inflammation of the cornea;
• la conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Excessive tearing if there is a problem with the eyelid

Structures essential to the protection of the eye, the eyelids can sometimes be responsible for excessive tearing. This is particularly the case when:

• an ectropion, a phenomenon characterized by an eversion of the edge of the eyelid, that is to say that the latter takes a bad position and no longer manages to cover the eye correctly;
• of an entropion, a phenomenon characterized by a rolling of the eyelid inwards, which causes rubbing of the eyelashes and the skin of the eyelid on the surface of the eye;
• facial paralysis, which can cause partial or total paralysis of the eyelids.

Tearing can manifest itself in different ways. It can occur in one eye or both eyes. It may be accompanied by other symptoms which may appear simultaneously with tearing or be secondary. The appearance of secondary symptoms may be a sign of a complication.

When the eyes weep, tearing can be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• pain, itching, or redness ;
• a photophobia, with increased sensitivity to light;
• reduced visual acuity ;
• a blépharospasme, that is, repeated and involuntary contractions of the muscles of the eyelid.

Medical advice is particularly recommended when the tearing is excessive, unexplained, bothersome or is accompanied by other symptoms. An examination by an ophthalmologist can identify and treat the cause of the abnormal tearing. Depending on the origin of the weeping eyes, treatment may be based on:

• removal of the foreign body in the tear ducts;
• anti-inflammatory treatment in case of eye inflammation;
• the use of eye drops or artificial tears in case of dry eyes;
• a dacryocystorhinostomy, an operation that creates a passage between the tear sac and the nasal cavity.

Treatment for glomerulonephritis depends on its origin and course.

As a first-line treatment, drug treatment is usually put in place to reduce symptoms and limit the risk of complications. A healthcare professional usually prescribes:

• antihypertensives to control blood pressure and limit high blood pressure, a common symptom of glomerulonephritis;
• diuretics to increase urine output and frequency of urination.

Other drugs may then be prescribed to treat the cause of glomerulonephritis. Depending on the diagnosis, the healthcare professional can, for example, prescribe:

• antibiotics, especially in cases of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, to stop an infection in the kidneys;
• corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, especially in cases of lupus glomerulonephritis, to decrease the immune response.

In addition to drug treatment, a specific diet can be implemented in case of glomerulonephritis. This diet is generally depleted in protein and sodium, and is accompanied by control of the volume of water ingested.

When the risk of kidney failure is high, dialysis may be used to ensure the filtration function of the kidneys. In the most severe forms, a kidney transplant may be considered.