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Excessive tearing (epiphora, not dry eye)
I’ve had excessive tearing (epiphora) in both eyes for several months. My ophthalmologist recommended Alaway drops for allergy, which did not help. I am now seeing an oculofacial plastic surgeon, who performed irrigation and determined that everything looks ok (puncta are open, no infection, no inflammation, no duct stenosis, etc.) and that my tear ducts are open but not functional. He recommends surgery - tear duct stenting (with a general anesthetic), but says there is only a 50% (or less) chance it will help. If that is not successful, then DCR surgery (dacryocystorhinostomy - much more invasive) is the next step.
I’ve done a lot of research online about this condition, called functional epiphora, and am so discouraged to learn that is not at all well understood, and there are no defined treatments for it. I read about the importance of the orbiculari oculi muscles around the eye for tear drainage, so I am now starting strengthening exercises for those muscles.
This is a truly miserable condition which greatly affects my quality of life– blurry vision, bloodshot eyes, puffy red eyelids and skin, and skin surrounding my eyes that is inflamed and stings from the salty tears. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but am hoping someone has gone through this and describe what their experience and what, if anything, helped.
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Hello Karnim, I had a bout of epiphora several years ago. I saw an oculoplastic surgeon who offered treatment which I declined due to my take of the risk versus benefit. The epiphora did resolve on its own although sometimes my eyes feel wet. I was interested that your eyes feel the effects of salty tears. I'm not sure if this is a clue but my tears didn't have that effect at all.
Thanks, tillymack for responding. I'm glad to hear your epiphora went away. I hope you will answer some questions I have.
- Did you have a specific diagnosis of the cause, or was it considered "functional," like mine? (i.e. cause unknown).
- How bad was the tearing (did tears sometimes flow down onto your cheeks; did they give you blurry vision)?
- How long did you have it before it resolved? Did it resolve gradually?
- What treatment was offered that you declined?
Thank you again for writing. You are the only person I know or have hear from who has this problem.
I never know the cause... I have a vague recollection that the treatment proposed was to re-route my tears elsewhere but this was years ago and as you know I declined. I do remember the doctor tested how patent my tear ducts were but I don't remember the verdict! I think my tears did flow down onto my cheeks but it was more occasional than constant and for that reason I wasn't keeping track of the frequency. It was probably gradual but the entire issue only lasted a month or so that I remember. I'm sure there was no inflammation or stinging involved. The tears were like tears you would experience from crying.
Thanks for trying to remember! I've read about the surgery that re-routs the tear ducts, and it's major, so you made a very wise decision not to do it. I'm on the fence about my stent surgery, which is scheduled for less than two weeks from now.
I appreciate your letting me know that I made the right decision, thank you! Are you scheduled for the stent surgery? Has your tearing been constant and long lasting? Have you considered a second opinion? I only ask since you mentioned it's major!