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epiphora (abnormal tearing)
Etiology:
- ocular irritation & inflammation [2,3]
- allergies
- allergic rhinitis
- environmental irritant, such as wind or smoke
- common cold
- trichiasis
- entropion
- dacryocystitis
- blepharitis
- corneal abrasion
- corneal ulcer
- eye foreign body
- ectropion
- entropion
- keratitis
- stye (sty)
- looking at computer screen or reading for long periods of time
- blocked tear duct
- failure of the nasolacrimal duct to open (neonate)
- poor surgical reconstruction of the nasolacrimal duct system after
* for decreased tearing, see xerophthalmia (dry eyes)
Pathology:
- ocular irritation & inflammation
- blockage in the lacrimal drainage system, which impairs normal tear channeling into the nose
Clinical manifestations:
- overflow of tears onto the face
Complications:
- recurrent infection may also occur as a result of the stagnation of tears
Management:
- dacryocystorhinostomy may alleviate symptoms
General
sign/symptom
lacrimal apparatus disease; lacrimal gland disease
References
- Valentine Fernandes S
eMedicine (Medscape): Dacryocystorhinostomy
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/879096-overview
- Wikipedia: Epiphora (medicine)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphora_(medicine)
- Mayo Clinic
Watery Eyes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/watery-eyes/basics/causes/sym-20050821