Watery Eyes (Epiphora): Therapy

Note: A large amount of tear fluid flushes the oily lubricating film out of the eye, so despite the heavy flow of tears, it is referred to as dry eye. The following recommendations are aimed at patients with reflex tears. Reflex tears are tears that are a reaction to dryness of the ocular surface.

General measures

  • Alleviation of symptoms by restoration of normal tear secretion or use of tear substitutes or supplements (dietary treatment with supplements).
  • Lid margin hygiene and lid margin care (lid edge care):
    • Morning and evening hot compresses (at least 39 ° C; melting point of meibom lipids: 28-32 ° C; in meibom gland dysfunction: up to 35 ° C) for 5-15 minutes on the closed eyelids place; this liquefies the oily secretion in the clogged meibom glands and encrustations loosen.
    • Clean the edges of the eyelids with lukewarm water and a mild detergent (such as diluted baby shampoo) using a damp cloth or cotton swab. Alternatively, you can use a cloth soaked in olive oil. In doing so, remove all incrustations in the area of the eyelids, especially between the eyelashes.
    • Massage the eyelids (eyelid massage). To do this, with the eye closed, the upper and lower eyelid with a cotton swab or compress, each in the direction of the eyelashes, massaged; thereby the oily secretion is pressed out of the glands.
  • Nicotine restriction including passive smoking! Avoid tobacco smoke and smoky rooms!
  • Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day).
  • If necessary, change of medication that can causally trigger dry eyes (only after medical instruction!)
  • Avoidance of the following environmental stresses:
    • Working at a computer screen (VDU work; “office eye syndrome”) → regular breaks.
    • Intensive screen viewing (TV, computer, tablet or cell phone) – the blink is delayed, resulting in insufficient moistening as well as eyestrain
    • Wearing contact lenses → In the evening, take out the contact lenses in time and give his eyes a break.
    • Car fan
    • Ozone, e.g. from copiers and printers
    • Dry indoor air due tooverheated rooms, heating / underfloor heating, air conditioning, ventilation.
    • Insufficient or incorrect lighting
    • Environmental pollution (e.g. dust).
    • Draft

Conventional non-surgical therapy methods

  • Eye drops (liposomal ophthalmic spray; ophthalmic gel; artificial tears)Note: In the presence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes) or corneal epithelial defects, the use of artificial tears reduces tear tearing.

Nutritional medicine

  • Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
  • Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
    • Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits).
    • Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
    • High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
  • Observance of the following specific nutritional recommendations:
    • Diet rich in:
  • See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – Taking a suitable dietary supplement.
  • Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.

Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)

  • Air space humidification