Excessive Tearing
Tears are made primarily by the lacrimal gland, and keep your eyes healthy and refreshed with moisture. With each blink tears drain into the lacrimal sac, travel down through the nasolacrimal duct and into the nose. Sometimes an obstruction develops in this duct and tears cannot reach the nose. The blocked tears back up into the eye, causing epiphora, an overflow of tears that may be troubling or embarrassing. Occasionally, a blocked nasolacrimal duct can result in eye irritation, painful swelling, or an infection.
A series of tests will be performed to help determine if you have a nasolacrimal obstruction. If your surgeon determines that your excess tearing is due to an obstruction, he may recommend a procedure called Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). DCR reconnects your tear drainage pathways to the inside of the nose so tears can drain properly. Tiny plastic tubes (stents) are left behind to maintain the new opening and are removed 4-6 weeks later.