epiphora due to insufficient drainage

Epiphora Due to Insufficient Drainage

Epiphora, also known as excessive tearing or watery eyes, can be caused by a blockage in the nasolacrimal duct system, leading to insufficient tear drainage. This condition is characterized by an overflow of tears onto the face, rather than being drained away properly.

Symptoms:

• Excessive tearing or watering of the eyes
• Tears running down the face continuously or intermittently
• Insufficient tear film drainage from the eyes

Causes:

• Blockage in the nasolacrimal duct system
• Imbalance in the tear production and loss system, leading to excessive tear production or inadequate tear drainage

According to [2], epiphora is a clinical sign or condition that constitutes insufficient tear film drainage from the eyes. This can lead to an overflow of tears onto the face, rather than being drained away properly.

In addition, [5] states that epiphora refers to excessive tearing of the eyes, often caused by a blockage in the nasolacrimal duct system. This condition can be treated through conservative or surgical means.

References: [1] - Not relevant [2] - #12 [3] - Not relevant [4] - Not relevant [5] - #5

Excessive tearing and watering eyes are common symptoms of epiphora caused by insufficient drainage.

• Overproduction of tears: When the tear ducts are blocked or clogged, tears can accumulate in the eye, leading to excessive tearing and watering [3].
• Tears pooling in the eye: The excess tears can cause the eyes to feel overly moist, and tears may pool in the eye, blurring vision [4].
• Constant or intermittent tearing: Epiphora caused by insufficient drainage can lead to constant or intermittent tearing, which can be uncomfortable and affect daily activities [13].
• Sensation of moisture around the eyes: People with epiphora due to insufficient drainage may experience a sensation of moisture around their eyes, even when there is no apparent reason for it [13].

Other symptoms that may occur:

• Blurred vision: Excess tears can cause blurred vision, making it difficult to see clearly [11].
• Discharge or mucoid discharge: If the lacrimal sac is infected, a discharge or mucoid discharge may be present [11].
• Eyelid skin excoriation: Constant wiping of the eyes due to excessive tearing can lead to eyelid skin excoriation [11].

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as epiphora caused by insufficient drainage can be treated with proper care and management.

References:

[3] Symptoms include pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and excess tearing and white discharge. [4] The main symptom of epiphora is excessive eye watering. [11] Symptoms: Epiphora can cause blurry vision, discharge if there is a lacrimal sac infection, mucoid discharge if there is a canalicular foreign body, eyelid skin excoriation from constant wiping and laxity of the lower eyelids from constant wiping.

Diagnostic Tests for Epiphora Due to Insufficient Drainage

Epiphora, or excessive tearing, can be caused by a disruption in the balance between tear production and tear loss, leading to an excess of tears. When this condition is due to insufficient drainage, several diagnostic tests can help evaluate the lacrimal drainage system (LDS) and identify the underlying cause.

• Dye Disappearance Test: This simple test involves adding a drop of fluorescein dye to the eye. The provider then observes how quickly the dye disappears from the eye, which can indicate any blockages or obstructions in the LDS [7].
• Lacrimal Scintigraphy: This diagnostic test uses small amounts of radioactive material to visualize the flow of tears through the lacrimal drainage system. It can help identify any blockages or abnormalities in the LDS [9].
• Dacrocystogram: A dacrocystogram is a specialized imaging test that provides detailed images of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. It can help diagnose conditions such as nasolacrimal duct obstruction [9].

These diagnostic tests can provide valuable information about the underlying cause of epiphora due to insufficient drainage, allowing healthcare providers to develop an effective treatment plan.

References:

• [7] - A simple test they can do is called the “dye disappearance test.” To do it, a provider adds a drop of a special dye called fluorescein to your eye.
• [9] - Delayed tear drainage is demonstrated with a fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) or lacrimal scintigraphy. A dacrocystogram is also used to diagnose conditions such as nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
• [8] - True epiphora is an overflow of tears over the cheek and most commonly results from insufficient drainage through the lacrimal excretory system.

Treatment Options for Epiphora Due to Insufficient Drainage

Epiphora, or watery eyes, can be caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate tear drainage. In such cases, drug treatment may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms.

• Antibiotics: If an infection is causing the epiphora, antibiotic drops or ointments may be prescribed to treat the underlying infection [2].
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Medications like corticosteroid eye drops or oral anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct [12].
• Antihistamines: Antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines may be prescribed if allergies are contributing to the epiphora [9].

It's essential to note that the specific treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the epiphora. A healthcare professional, such as an ophthalmologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, will diagnose the condition and recommend the most suitable treatment.

In some cases, additional treatments like warm compresses, gentle eyelid massage, or nasal decongestants may be recommended to help alleviate symptoms [9].

References:

[2] If an infection is causing your epiphora, your ENT specialist will prescribe antibiotic drops to treat the underlying infection. If the infection is truly the cause of your epiphora, you can expect a full recovery once the infection has been cleared.

[9] Warm Compresses: To help open blocked glands; Gentle Eyelid Massage: To promote better tear drainage; Antihistamine Eye Drops: For allergy-related epiphora.

[12] Medications: You’ll need medication to treat your watery eyes if the epiphora is caused by allergies or an infection.

Causes of Epiphora Due to Insufficient Drainage

Epiphora, or watery eyes, can be caused by a disruption in the balance between tear production and tear drainage. When the lacrimal drainage system is impaired, tears cannot drain properly from the eye, leading to an overflow of tears onto the face.

Differential Diagnoses for Epiphora Due to Insufficient Drainage

The following conditions can lead to epiphora due to insufficient drainage:

• Post-sac drainage impairment: This occurs when there is a blockage or obstruction in the nasolacrimal duct, preventing tears from draining properly. [5]
• Reflex tearing: This type of tearing is caused by irritation of the corneal and conjunctival surface, leading to an overproduction of tears. [3]
• Lacrimal drainage system obstruction: This can be due to a variety of factors, including trauma, surgery, or tumors in the lacrimal drainage system. [6]

Other Causes

In addition to these conditions, other causes of epiphora due to insufficient drainage include:

• Acquired obliteration of the proximal lacrimal drainage system: This is a condition where the proximal part of the lacrimal drainage system becomes blocked or obstructed. [12]
• Lacrimal sac obstruction: This occurs when there is a blockage in the lacrimal sac, preventing tears from draining properly.

References

[3] - Context result 3 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [12] - Context result 12