The impact of a watery eye on an individual's wellbeing is commonly underestimated. However, patients with this problem rate it highly in terms of adverse impact on their quality of life. A 'wet eye' and tear overflow may cause embarrassment, as well as blurring of vision that results in difficulty reading, an increased risk of falls and loss of driving confidence. Repeated wiping of the lids may result in lid laxity, ectropion and a dermatitic excoriation of the skin.The cause of watery eyes can generally be determined by the family physician. With recent advances in diagnostic and surgical techniques, the definitive management of the watery eye is most commonly dealt with by ocular plastic surgeons, who comprise a subspecialty within ophthalmology.The physiology of tearing is discussed in the box on this page. The assessment and management of a patient with a watery eye is summarised in the flowchart on page 61.
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