What is the medical term for the condition of excessive tearing?

The medical term for the condition of excessive tearing is epiphora. This condition occurs when there is an overproduction of tears or when tears are not adequately drained from the eyes. Normally, tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and help to keep the eye surface moist, but when there is an imbalance in tear production or drainage, it results in excessive tearing.

In contrast, lacrimation refers to the process of tear production but does not specifically denote excess tearing. Dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the tear sac, often leading to infection, but it is not synonymous with excessive tearing. Blepharoptosis refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid and is unrelated to the production of tears or tearing. Therefore, epiphora is the term that accurately describes the medical condition of excessive tearing.