epiphora
Excessive Tearing
Plain-language definition
Overflow of tears onto the face, caused by either overproduction of tears (reflex tearing) or blocked tear drainage (nasolacrimal obstruction).
Where this term comes up
“Tears cannot drain normally, leading to excessive tearing (epiphora), mucous discharge, and sometimes infection.”
Condition · Blocked Tear Duct (Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction)
“Tearing (epiphora)”
Condition · Entropion
“Overflow Tearing (Epiphora)”
Treatment · Punctal Plugs
- Category
- Condition, finding, or disease process
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.
Related glossary terms
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.