Tear Ducts.

[derekpara]

Do tear ducts become more active/productive as one gets older particularly in colder weather ?

When doing my brisk morning walk I notice that my eyes water quite a lot, and I don't recall it happening when I was in my prime.

Is this normal, or part of the ageing process ?

Can I do anything to prevent it ?

D

[Buenchico]

I'm NOT suggesting that you read through all of this article!
http://bjo.bmj.com/content/81/10/824
However it's clearly from an authoritative source and the last sentence of the first paragraph makes it clear that ageing definitely has an effect on tear production.

This NHS link (which is a lot easier to read!) says that the problem of watering eyes "can affect anyone, but it's most common in young babies and people over 60". So, again, there's a connection to ageing.

If it becomes a serious issue for you, the treatment options are here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/watering-eyes/treatment/

However it's nothing more than 'mildly irritating' you'll either have to learn to live with it or possibly take to wearing ski goggles when you're out walking.

[Buenchico]

Oops!

I omitted the first NHS link which should have come after my second paragraph, above)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/watering-eyes/

[Peter Pedant]

the BJO article is OK
did you notice that around 100% of the text is about LOWER tear production ? Schirmers lest is about dry eyes not wet

first paragraph makes it clear that ageing definitely has an effect on tear production. - yup down and not up

the tearing bit is called epiphora and is due to a blocked duct - yours Derek arent blocked as it is intermittent. You have mentioned ducts whereas it is the tear gland that produces tears.

Actually Derek when I read your post I thought
this is a standard cold reflex innit ?

[derekpara]

Thanks Chris & Peter, very informative answers from which I conclude that it's 'a standard cold reflex, innit' coupled with a tinge of ageing !

D

[-SharonA-]

Reminds me of a time when my dear Mum was alive and went to hospital to have her tear ducts unblocked. I accompanied her. They produced a long metal thing and proceeded to insert into a duct. I fainted.

[Cloverjo]

My left eye waters in the cold and wind. I don't think I'll be looking to have it unblocked after reading Sharon's post. Eek!

[Sqad]

The lachrymal gland (tear gland) produces LESS fluid in the elderly.....it dries up. However the nasal linings may produce more fluid due to allergic and vasomotor changes in the nose in the elderly, which flow back into the eye.
So, the eyes are watering due to changes in the nose.

What can you do?
If it isn't bothering you....NOTHING need be done, but if it is a cause for concern then antihistamines and intranasal steroids may well offer relief.

[derekpara]

Thanks, Sqad, I am having some nasal problems lately.


D