Epiphora is an abnormal overflow of tears down the face that results from either obstruction of tear drainage through the nasolacrimal (tear duct) system or overproduction of tears that overwhelms the normal drainage system. The overproduction of tears is most often a reflex, activated to expel irritating material from the surface of the eye or when significant irritation develops inside the eye. Although uncommon, epiphora may also result from overactive lacrimal (tear) glands and be unassociated with any source of irritation.Tears are continuously produced on the eye in most animals. With each blink of the eyelids, tears are pushed along the outer aspect of the eyelids towards the nose.

While tears are typically colorless, they can dry to a dark red-brown-black crust, especially in the cat. Chronic tearing can also result in a brown to rust-colored staining of the hair around the eyes and face of animals. This is believed to be due to porphyrins or other pigment-like substances present in the tears.

Tears that spill over onto the face can also be irritating to the skin of the face. Moisture and bacterial build-up in that area aggravates this irritation.Epiphora can be caused by numerous conditions.Inefficient drainage of tears from partial closure of the drainage openings, increased kinking of the drainage duct in the nose, or wicking of tears onto hairs present in the crease where the eyelids meet. This condition is most common in the flat faced, long-haired breeds of cats, particularly the Persian and Himalayan breeds.

As a result of their short and concave underlying facial bone structure, the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct of most Persian cats is blocked at the lacrimal puncta, causing an excessive coagulation of debris and an overflow of tears from the lacrimal glands: Excessive tearing is a common characteristic of Persian cats and is caused by abnormal drainage of tears and may result in epiphora(Faculty of Cornell Feline Health Center 1997). The two lacrimal puncta are the small openings to the canaliculi (ducts) leading to the lacrimal sac. The nasolacrimal duct drains the sac into the nose. The ducts of the lacrimal system are already very small in felines and the facial conformation of extremely short-nosed, large-eyed cats, namely Persians, is the single most common cause of occlusion (blockage) of the lacrimal system and resulting abnormal drainage of tears. Consequently, because of the epiphora and the blocked lacrimal system, Persian cats suffer from chronic eye infections. Bacteria build up in the obstructed lacrimal passages and thrive on the debris deposited from the coagulated tears, inducing chronic conjunctivitis, with characteristic symptoms such as a brown, mucus-like discharge from the eye, blinking, and an exposed third eyelid. In severe cases, the conjunctiva is swollen red (Faculty of Cornell Feline Health Center 1997). It is important to note, however, that conjunctivitis is not painful (Carlson and Giffin 1995).

The sense of sight is important not only to humans but also to other animals. The Persian cat's eye is a sensitive organ that you should carefully check every now and then. Your cat does not have the ability to take care of its eyes like you do. If there is a problem with your cat's eye, it cannot directly say to you what is wrong. It cannot tell you that there is dirt on its eye and it cannot tell you that its fur is bothering its sight. You as the owner should have the duty to take very good care of your cat's eye by first knowing the basic tips on Persian cat eye care.

Here are some tips on Persian cat eye care

1. Trim the fur around its eyes when the fur gets too long. Be careful when doing this because you might accidentally hit its eye. Do not do this when your cat is fully awake and active. Wait for it to fall into a heavy sleep then you can carefully trim the fur. If you think that you cannot do it, do not hesitate to go to your local groomer and ask for its service.

2. Persian cat's eyes are prone to tear duct overflow. This is caused by too much tears produced and the poor ability of the cat to drain its tears. The symptoms are tear stains, forming of dried tears around its eye and skin irritation under the eyes.