What is the difference between epiphora and lacrimation?

Lacrimation is the healthy production of tears in your eyes that happens automatically. Tears lubricate and protect your eyes.

You have two sets of lacrimal glands that make up your tear system. Your main lacrimal glands near the upper outer corner of each of your eyes produce tears to flush foreign materials out of your eyes. They also make tears when you’re crying. Your accessory lacrimal glands are behind your upper and lower eyelids. They produce the tears that moisten your eyes.

Epiphora is the medical definition for having excess tears or watery eyes. It’s caused by your eyes producing too many tears, or the tears in your eyes not draining away as they should.