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Epiphora, or a "weeping eyelid," is the persistent overflow of tears onto the facial skin. This is a clinical symptom caused by an imbalance between tear production and drainage. In the eyewear industry, chronic weeping presents significant challenges, as the saline content in tears can corrode frame materials, cause skin irritation at the nose pads, and lead to frequent fogging of the lenses.
read more about weeping eyelid (epiphora) ...Epiphora is often the result of a physical obstruction in the nasolacrimal system:
A weeping eye creates an unstable environment for contact lenses. The excess fluid can cause the lens to "float" excessively, leading to fluctuating vision. Furthermore, the chemical composition of "reflex tears" is different from "basal tears," containing more inflammatory markers that can lead to rapid protein buildup on the lens surface.
Constant moisture can lead to contact dermatitis and frame pitting. Opticians prioritize surgical grade titanium or high quality cellulose acetate for these patients. These materials are inert and resistant to the corrosive effects of the salt and enzymes found in human tears, ensuring the eyewear remains comfortable and structurally sound.
Standard PVC or hard plastic nose pads will slip off a wet bridge. For patients with epiphora, specialized "tacky" silicone or hydrophilic nose pads are required. These pads actually become more secure when in contact with moisture, ensuring the glasses stay in the correct optical alignment despite the constant weeping.
This is "reflex tearing." When the eye's surface is irritated by dryness, the brain sends an emergency flood of tears to compensate. These tears lack the lubricating oils of normal tears, so they simply run down your face.
Yes. If your frames are misaligned and rub against the lower eyelid or block the tear drainage area (the inner corner of the eye), they can physically cause your eye to water constantly.
If the cause is a blocked duct, a surgeon can perform a DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy) to create a new drainage path. After surgery, you will likely need a new eyewear fitting as the swelling in the nasal bridge area subsides.
1. Epiphora (Watering Eye). EyeWiki. https://eyewiki.org/Epiphora. Accessed February 9, 2026.
2. What Is Epiphora? American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/symptoms/epiphora. Accessed February 9, 2026.
3. Causes and Treatment of Excessive Tearing. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17956-watery-eyes-epiphora. Accessed February 9, 2026.
4. Clinical Anatomy of the Eye. Snell RS, Lemp MA. Blackwell Science; 2013.
5. StatPearls. Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532256/. Accessed February 9, 2026.