Find Relief from Excessive Tearing and Blocked Tear Ducts
Tears are essential for keeping your eyes healthy, comfortable, and protected. Normally, tears drain through small openings in the eyelids and travel through the tear drainage system into the nose. When this system becomes blocked or does not function properly, tears may overflow onto the cheeks, causing persistent watering and irritation. At Forsyth Eye Health and Surgery, Dr. Charles Rice evaluates and treats tear drainage problems, including conditions that may require surgical correction.
What Causes Blocked Tear Ducts?
Tear drainage problems can develop for several reasons, including age-related changes, inflammation, infection, injury, or narrowing of the tear drainage passages.
Not all excessive tearing is caused by a blocked tear duct. Dry eye, eyelid positioning problems, and other conditions can also lead to watery eyes.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent watery eyes
- Tears frequently running down the cheeks
- Recurrent eye infections
- Mucus or discharge around the eyes
- Swelling or tenderness near the inner corner of the eye
Treatment for Blocked Tear Ducts
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the blockage, as well as the underlying cause. Some patients may benefit from conservative treatment or procedures to open narrowed drainage passages. Others may require surgery to create a new pathway for tears to drain properly. One procedure used for certain tear duct blockages is dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), which creates a new drainage connection between the tear sac and the nasal cavity. Dr. Rice will evaluate your symptoms and determine which treatment options are appropriate for your condition.
Schedule a Tear Duct Evaluation
If you’re experiencing frequent tearing, irritation, or recurring infections, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rice to identify the cause and explore treatment options.
