Is excessive eye discharge a sign of “internal heat”? Are frequent tears a sign of being moved? These misconceptions have misled many people.

With the weather warming up recently, more people are heading out for spring outings. However, at ophthalmology clinics, there has been a noticeable increase in two types of patients:

One group wakes up in the morning to find their eyes caked with eye discharge, making it difficult to open them. They assume they have a “heatiness” issue and drink copious amounts of herbal tea, but see no improvement;

The other group are those who start crying as soon as they step outside into the breeze. While others tease them for being “easily moved,” they see it as a sign of being emotionally sensitive—only to find that the more they wipe their tears, the more they flow.

If you or an elderly family member is experiencing similar symptoms, we strongly recommend reading this article carefully.

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Misconception 1: Excessive eye discharge = “internal heat”?

When many people see excessive eye discharge, their first reaction is to assume it’s due to “internal heat,” so they start drinking chrysanthemum tea, herbal teas, or even taking “heat-clearing” medications.

The truth is: excessive eye discharge is most likely caused by a blocked tear duct.

Let me give you an analogy. Our eyes have a sophisticated “drainage system” known medically as the tear duct. It’s like the plumbing in your home, responsible for draining away excess tears.

Under normal circumstances, this system flows freely, keeping our eyes clean and refreshed. But what happens if this “sewer” gets clogged?

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When tears can’t drain properly, they accumulate in the corners of the eyes along with dust and bacteria. Over time, this turns into eye discharge. This discharge is usually not dry but rather thick and yellowish-white; it can even stick the upper and lower eyelids together when you wake up in the morning.

This is especially common among middle-aged and older adults. As we age, the tear ducts naturally narrow, and when combined with chronic inflammation, the likelihood of blockage is very high.

So, if you have a lot of eye discharge that doesn’t go away, accompanied by involuntary tearing, don’t just assume it’s due to “internal heat”—it’s very likely a blocked tear duct.

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Misconception 2: Excessive Tears = Emotional?

There is another group of people who are perfectly fine most of the time, but as soon as they go outdoors and feel the wind, or even without any apparent trigger, tears start streaming down their faces. As a result, they are often teased by friends for being overly emotional.

But the truth is: unprovoked tears are most often caused by narrowing or blockage of the tear ducts.

Let’s return to the “sewer” analogy.

When the tear ducts are clear, tears drain smoothly, and we don’t feel like we’re crying. But if the ducts narrow, the drainage can’t keep up with tear production, causing them to overflow.

Why is this more common in spring?

First, strong winds stimulate increased tear gland secretion;

Second, large temperature fluctuations between morning and evening cause the muscles around the eyes to contract, narrowing the tear ducts;

Third, high levels of pollen and dust can easily enter the lacrimal sac and cause inflammation.

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So, if you find yourself tearing up without feeling sad or having watery eyes without being moved, don’t be quick to blame your emotions—it’s likely that your eyes’ “drainage system” is sending you a distress signal.

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Why Should You Take This Seriously? It’s Not a Minor Issue

Blocked tear ducts won’t heal on their own if left untreated. Persistent tearing can lead to eye inflammation, causing complications such as redness, excessive discharge, and lumps around the eyes. In severe cases, it may interfere with daily life.

Additionally, constantly wiping away tears can easily lead to skin issues around the eyes.

So what should you do? First, stop self-diagnosing. Stop drinking herbal teas to “clear heat” and stop “just putting up with it.”

Second, visit a professional ophthalmology clinic for a tear duct examination. This simple procedure involves the doctor flushing the tear ducts with saline solution to determine the location and severity of the blockage—the entire process takes just a few minutes.

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How is a blocked tear duct treated?

If a blocked tear duct is diagnosed, there’s no need to worry. Depending on the location and severity of the blockage, there are currently several treatment options available:

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To determine the best course of action, we recommend visiting a professional ophthalmology clinic. The doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on specific factors such as the location and severity of the blockage, whether there is an infection, and the patient’s age.

In Closing

With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to get out and about—and also a great opportunity to prioritize the eye health of yourself and your family.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing these issues, consider scheduling an eye exam. Early detection and intervention are key to protecting your eyes.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)