Epiphora is an overflow of tears onto the face, other than caused by normal crying.

[2] This can be due to ocular irritation and inflammation (including trichiasis and entropion) or an obstructed tear outflow tract, which is divided according to its anatomical location (i.e., ectropion, punctal, canalicular or nasolacrimal duct obstruction).

The latter is often due to aging (a spontaneous process), conjunctivochalasis, infection (i.e. dacryocystitis), rhinitis, and in neonates or infants, failure of the nasolacrimal duct to open.

Another cause could be poor reconstruction of the nasolacrimal duct system after trauma to the area.

[citation needed] A systematic review studying the usage of punctal plugs for treatment of dry eye reported a few cases of epiphora among participants.