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Tearing & Lacrimal System
Patients may experience tearing due to problems with the tear drain, causing tears to accumulate in the eye and sometimes spill on to the cheek. Our oculoplastic surgeon will make a careful assessment to determine the location of blockage to tailor treatment to your specific needs.
Causes of Excessive Tearing
When the tear system is obstructed, you may experience tearing in your eyes, with excessive tears spilling onto the cheek. Obstructions in the tear system can occur at different locations, but a common cause is nasolacrimal duct obstruction, a condition where the tear duct is blocked at its entrance into the nose.
What to Expect
Your doctor will perform a careful assessment to determine the location of blockage and to tailor treatment to your specific issue. Surgical treatment is used to open the tear drain to allow tears to flow normally again. This procedure can be performed externally in the tear trough or endoscopically through the nose which uses no incision and does not create a scar. After your examination, your doctor will create a plan specific to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes excessive tearing in the eyes?
Excessive tearing in the eyes is also called epiphora. It can be caused by allergies, inflammation, blockages in the tear ducts (also called the nasolacrimal ducts), entropion, or other conditions.
What is epiphora?
Epiphora is excessive tearing in the eyes. It is often caused by blockage in the nasolacrimal duct, or tear duct, system.
Does medicare cover a DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy) procedure?
Medicare covers medically necessary procedures, this may include a DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy) procedure, depending on the specifics of your case. Our counselors will help you understand your coverage and any costs that you may be responsible for.
Can epiphora correct itself?
Epiphora may be temporary when caused by a stye or other passing condition. When epiphora results from a blockage in the tear duct system, surgery is required to remove the blockage and repair the tear duct. If your eyes are constantly watering, and especially if it interferes with your vision, call our office to schedule a consultation with our expert team today.