You all must have come across people giving a look as if they have just cried. Their eyes filled with tears, dripping down their cheeks. But the problem is something else. This is known as Epiphora. Though it is quite a problem which may be from mild to severe in category. Well the good news is that, it can be controlled.
Let us know more about Epiphora
Cause: It depends on the pathology . It can be from trauma to muscle weakness. But the commonest cause is blockage. The blockage can be at the level of eye(canalicular) or nose( deviated nasal septum or polyp). Lid Muscle weakness is quite a common finding in old age group( seen commonly in females)
Symptoms: Such patients often present with complaints of teary eyes, discharge ,redness. Associated allergic sneezing also present with these symptoms.
Problems associated with it: Excessive or prolonged duration of this problem leads to lower lid skin eczema, skin cuts, secondary infection. Sometimes patients get depressed too.
Solution: The solution lies in the cause. If it is related to blockage, then it is corrected by probing to surgical stenting. If there is associated nose pathology, then that needs to be taken care of. Medicines and lid muscle strengthening exercises also play an important role.
Do not straddle the issue and act then and there to avoid the avoidable.
Dr. Lakshmi kuniyal
Senior Eye Surgeon
Retina and PHACO specialist
Endoscopic DCR specialist