What is epiphora?
Excessive eye tearing, or epiphora, is caused from a buildup of tears within the eye. When the tears are not able to drain fast enough, they drip out your eyes giving the appearance of crying.
What causes epiphora?
Epiphora is characterized by whether the production of tears is too high, or if the drainage of tears is being blocked. The lacrimal (or tear duct) system consists of the the lacrimal gland which makes the tears, and the lacrimal duct which collects and drains the tears into the nose.
Things that can cause excessive tear production includes allergies, a foreign body in the eye, or excessive eye strain. These causes tend to cause more mild tearing, however. When an obstruction in the lacrimal duct is present, either by a blockage from swelling or infection, the tearing is usually much worse and constant. An infection of the lacrimal sac, called dacryocystitis, is a common cause for a blocked lacrimal duct.
What are some symptoms associate with epiphora?
- Yellow or clear discharge from the inner corner of the eye
- Redness or irritation of the eye, on the side of the infection
- Tears constantly running down your face, even while you are not crying
- Tenderness or swelling hear the area where the corner of the eye meets the sidewall of the nose
How is epiphora treated?
The first step is determining the cause of the tearing. This will require a detailed exam, including endoscopy to identify any abnormal drainage from the eye into the nose. Flushing out the drainage system with saline and seeing if there is adequate drainage into the nose is a simple way to determine how much of an obstruction is present. Occasionally, a Jones test is conducted by placing dye into the eyes and observing if any of the dye reaches the inside of the nose.
If there is an infection present, antibiotics are initiated along with lancing of the abscess if it is already forming a whitehead. More serious infection, including those that involve the eye itself, typically require hospitalization in order to receive IV antibiotics. Once the infection begins to resolve, a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery is then performed in order to permanently improve the lacrimal duct drainage system into the nose. This is typically done endoscopically, with no incisions required on the face.
