Side Effect: Increased tear production (lacrimation)

What is Increased tear production (lacrimation)?

Increased tear production, also known as hyperlacrimation or epiphora, refers to the excessive secretion of tears from the eyes. Common causes include eye irritation and allergies.

However, increased tear production can also occur if:

the tears being produced don’t contain a key chemical needed to lubricate the eye
if your eye is swollen due to an infection or from an injury
if cancer treatment has caused the tear drainage ducts to become blocked.

What does Increased tear production (lacrimation) look like?

The symptoms of increased tear production may include:

watery eyes
redness
discomfort around the eyes

Who gets Increased tear production (lacrimation)?

Cancer treatments that can cause increased tear production include:

capecitabine and fluorouracil (5FU)
imatinib
ipilimumab
panitumumab
oxaliplatin
cyclophosphamide
methotrexate
pemetrexed

How to prevent Increased tear production (lacrimation)

To help prevent increased tear production it is important to address any underlying eye conditions before starting treatment.
It is also recommended that you wear sunglasses when outside.
If you suffer from dust or pollen allergies using an air filter can be helpful.

How to treat Increased tear production (lacrimation)

The treatment for increased tear production depends upon the underlying cause.

It may seem counterintuitive, but artificial tears and eye drops can help reduce the symptoms of increased tear production and provide relief as these will contain the lubrication that the eye may be craving.
You should also avoid rubbing your eyes or wearing contacts. If a crust has built up due to the increased tearing, you can apply a warm compress to the eye to help gently wipe it away.

If increased tear production persists despite conservative treatment, there are several medical interventions that may be considered. These include: medications such as anticholinergics, botulinum toxin injections, or surgery to reposition the punctum or create a new drainage pathway.

References

1. Lee H, Yoon S, Baek S. Causes of Tearing in Patients With Chemotherapy: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Versus Lacrimal Drainage Obstruction. J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Jul-Aug 01;34(5):e419-e423.

2. Stoicescu EA, Iancu RC, Popa Cherecheanu A, et al. Ocular adverse effects of anti-cancer chemotherapy. J Med Life. 2023 Jun;16(6):818-821.

3. Omoti AE, Omoti CE. Ocular toxicity of systemic anticancer chemotherapy. Pharm Pract (Granada). 2006 Apr;4(2):55-9.

Created: April 26, 2024 Updated: April 26, 2024