• Home
  • FAQ
  • Private Practice Fees
  • Testimonials
  • Links
  • Glossary
  • 07503751349 | 01271 349128
  • karlwhittaker@devoneyesurgeon.co.uk
  • Cataract
    • Understanding Cataracts
    • Symptoms
    • Pre-operative Assessment
    • Choice Of Lens
    • Cataract Surgery
    • After The Operation
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Glaucoma
    • Understanding Glaucoma
    • Types of Glaucoma
    • Diagnosis
    • Treatment >
      • Medical
      • Laser Treatment
      • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
      • Glaucoma Surgery
  • Eyelid Surgery
    • Eyelid Cysts / Styes >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
    • Watery Eye Surgery >
      • Introduction to Watery Eye
      • Causes
      • Treatment
    • Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis) >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Entropion Repair >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Ectropion Repair >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
      • Post-operative Care
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Eyelid Tumor Removal >
      • Introduction
      • Tumor Types
      • Treatment
      • Post-operative Care
      • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Cosmetic Treatments
    • Non-Surgical >
      • Botox >
        • What is Botox?
        • Procedure Overview
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Cosmetic Fillers >
        • What is a Cosmetic Filler?
        • Procedure
        • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Surgical >
      • Upper Lid Blepharoplasty >
        • Introduction
        • Initial Consulation
        • Procedure Overview
        • After The Surgery
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Lower Lid Blepharoplasty >
        • Introduction
        • Initial Consultation
        • Procedure Overview
        • After The Surgery
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Four-Lid Blepharoplasty
      • Eyelid / Facial Lumps, Bumps & Skin Tags >
        • Introduction
        • Treatment
  • Refractive Surgery
    • Understanding My vision
    • Refractive Lens Exchange
    • PRELEX >
      • What is PRELEX?
      • What Are The Outcomes Of PRELEX Surgery?
      • Am I a Suitable Candidate?
  • Eye Conditions
    • Blepharospasm >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
    • Blepharitis >
      • Understanding Blepharitis
      • Treatment
    • Diabetic Retinopathy >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
    • Dry Eyes >
      • Understanding Dry Eyes
      • Causes Of Dry Eyes
      • Dry Eyes Assessment
      • Dry Eyes Treatment
    • Floaters >
      • Understanding Floaters
      • Treatment
    • Macula Degeneration >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment

Causes Of A Watery Eye

A watery eye can occur because of:

(i) Overproduction of tears

(ii) A failure to drain tears away from the surface of the eye normally

Causes of tear overproduction include anything that irritates the surface of the eye, such as a foreign body, an in-turning eyelash and even dryness of the eye. In each case, watering occurs because irritation of the corneal nerve endings excessively stimulates the lacrimal gland leading to excessive production of tears.

Failure to drain tears away may be due to:

  1. Inability of the tears to reach the entrance of the nasolacrimal passageway (known as the ‘punctum’). This may be due to a lax lower eyelid, or an ectropion (an eyelid margin which is slightly turned outwards away from the surface of the eye).
  2. A blockage or narrowing along any part of the nasolacrimal passageway.

Watery Eye Links

  • Introduction to Watery Eye
  • Causes Of A Watery Eye
  • Water Eye Treatment

About Mr. Karl Whittaker

I graduated from Birmingham University in 1992, and have been an Eye Specialist for almost 20 years.

Following my Ophthalmology Specialist Training, I completed two Fellowships (advanced training) in glaucoma, working with the world-renowned Professor Anthony Molteno in New Zealand and Professor Peter Shah in Birmingham. Thereafter, I undertook a Fellowship in oculoplastic/lacrimal surgery, again in Birmingham. As a result, I am dual-qualified, which allows me to perform a wide range of ophthalmic procedures.

I have been a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the North Devon Healthcare NHS Trust since 2003. In this role, I perform high volume cataract surgery and am the Clinical Lead for the Glaucoma and Oculoplastic/Lacrimal Surgery services.

Practice Location

  • Ophthalmology Department
  • Level 1
  • North Devon District Hospital
  • Barnstaple
  • EX31 4JB

Tel: 07503751349 | 01271 349128
Email: karlwhittaker@devoneyesurgeon.co.uk

Contact Form

Your Name (required):

Your Email (required):

Your Message (include phone number):

Copyright 2015 Dr. Karl Whittaker | All Rights Reserved.