Chronic overflow of tears is called what?

• A. Epiphora
• B. Dacryorrhea
• C. Tearduct discharge
• D. Lacrimation

Answer: (D)

Overflow of tears onto the cheek is called epiphora. Lacrimation means tear production or tearing in general, not the chronic overflow onto the face. Dacryorrhea refers to tear discharge in specific contexts and isn’t the standard term for this condition, and tearduct discharge isn’t a common clinical name for it either. Epiphora occurs when tears aren’t drained properly through the tear drainage system or when tear production is excessive, leading to persistent tearing and seepage onto the face. Understanding the tear drainage pathway helps: tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and normally flow through the puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct into the nose; any blockage or increased production can produce epiphora.