Tearing/Epiphora

The lacrimal gland and other small glands located inside the eyelid and on the white part of the eye constantly produce tears to keep the eye moist, lubricated and healthy.

 

How do tears drain from the eye?

Tears are produced by glands around the eye and are washed across the eye toward the nose. They drain from the eye through two small openings called the upper and lower puncta, which are located at the inside corner of the upper and lower eyelids near the nose. The tears then move through a passage called the canaliculus and into the lacrimal sac. From the sac, the tears then drop down the tear duct, called the nasolacrimal duct, and drain into the back of the nose and throat. That is why your nose runs when you cry.

 

Excessive tearing may occur for the following:

Injury, birth defects, infection or other blockage of the lacrimal (tear) drainage system

Eyelid or eyelash disorders

Infection in the eye

Wind, smoke, fumes or other environmental irritants

Glaucoma

Certain medications

Allergic reaction

Eyestrain

Dry eyes

Foreign material in the eye

Scratch on the eye

 

How is the cause of excessive tearing determined?

A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist (eye M.D.) is necessary to determine the cause of excessive tearing. Your ophthalmologist may also:

Irrigate your tear drainage system with fluid to make sure the pathway is open

Measure tear production

Measure eye pressure

Illuminate the tear drain with a fluorescent dye test

Perform computerized tomography (CT) scanning

 

How is excessive tearing treated?

Once your ophthalmologist determines the cause, treatment may include one or more of the following:

Surgical opening of the blocked drainage system

Surgery to repair an injured drainage system

Removal of an inturned eyelash or foreign body in the eye

Adding a new opening from the lacrimal sac into the nose, a procedure known as dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

Use of lubricating eye drops or ointment

Insertion of an artificial tear duct implant

 

Your ophthalmologist will discuss the most appropriate form of treatment with you.