Is epiphora a blockage of the lacrimal passage?
When the tear duct is blocked or gets narrowed by certain reason, your tears will overflow like you are constantly crying (Lacrimal duct obstruction). Epiphora can also occur due to an increase in tear production, but this brochure will discuss epiphora (Lacrimal duct obstruction) due to problems with tear drainage.
What is a blockage of the lacrimal passage?
A blocked tear duct occurs when your nasal passageways cannot properly drain tear liquid from your eyes. You may have itchy, irritated or watery eyes. Sometimes, babies are born with blocked tear ducts. A clogged tear duct may heal on its own, or you may need surgery.
What is epiphora of the eye?
Updated: Oct 10, 2020. Epiphora, also known as watery eyes, is a condition characterized by excessive tearing of the eye and constant overflow of tears onto the face. Epiphora can be an extremely bothersome problem. Many patients with the condition say it appears as if they are constantly crying.
What causes epiphora?
The most common cause of epiphora was lacrimal obstruction; followed by multifactorial epiphora, reflex tearing and eyelid malposition. Differences in etiology prevalence are noted with respect to age and gender distribution.
How do you treat nasolacrimal duct blockage?
The primary treatment of uncomplicated nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a regimen of nasolacrimal massage, usually 2 to 3 times per day, accompanied by a cleansing of the lids with warm water and topical antibiotics; this will resolve the infection in 76% to 89% of cases.
What is the treatment for Epiphora?
Use a warm compress with sterile water to help clear up any debris in the eyes. In some cases, a blocked tear duct is treated with surgery to open up eye drainage. Eyelid changes may also be repaired with surgery.
How do you treat epiphora?
How to determine if epiphora is an obstructive process?
Then look at the eyes; it is often easy to see if the eye is glistening and wet; if this correlates with the side that has symptoms, then an obstructive process is more likely. If the dryer eye is the symptomatic eye, then dry eye may be the underlying issue. The next step is physical examination, but still without the slit lamp.
How is botulinum toxin used to treat epiphora?
For complete obstructions, dacryocystorhinostomy via an external or end nasal approach is appropriate. In patients who are not good surgical candidates or may be refractory to other interventions, botulinum toxin A injections to the lacrimal gland are useful.
Why is it important to know the history of epiphora?
Since the cause of epiphora is multifactorial, it is important to look for clues in the history and physical examination to point to the source of the problem. Then a stepwise approach to treatment can lead to “tears of joy.” History is very important because it is often enough by itself to lead to the appropriate diagnosis.
When is a partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction present?
If there is some resistance to irrigation but fluid passes down the duct, than a partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction is present. Significant resistance to irrigation and reflux around the cannula and through the other canaliculus and puncta confirm a complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction.