Eye Tearing & Drainage Problems

Eye Tearing & Drainage Problems

Eye tearing and drainage problems can result from over production of tears, or inability of the normal tears to drain out of the eye through the normal drainage ducts and pathway. Any abnormal positioning of the eyelids can also cause tearing, as the normal anatomy is required to direct the tears through the drainage pathway. Nerve damage is also a possible cause of tearing, as the physiologic tear pump mechanism may be impaired in those situations. Interestingly, people with dry eyes often complain of tearing. This occurs as the backup tear production system of the eye will produce an overabundance of tears in an attempt to protect an eye that seems to be drying out. We have extensive experience in evaluating and treating all forms of tearing, tear and duct structures and drainage problems and as necessary can correct an abnormally positioned eyelid, as well as open blocked tear ducts in both adults and children.