eye disorders
Tearing
Treatment of Tearing
Underlying disorders (eg, allergies, foreign bodies, conjunctivitis) are treated. The use ofartificial tearsparadoxically lessens reflex tearing when dry eyes or corneal epithelial defects are the cause. Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction often resolves spontaneously. In patients<1 year, manual compression of the lacrimal sac 4 or 5 times a day may relieve the distal obstruction. After 1 year, the nasolacrimal duct may need probing with the patient under general anesthesia. If obstruction is recurrent, a temporary drainage tube may be inserted. In acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, irrigation of the nasolacrimal duct may be therapeutic when underlying disorders do not respond to treatment. As a last resort, a passage between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity can be created surgically (dacryocystorhinostomy). In cases of punctal or canalicular stenosis, dilation is usually curative. If canalicular stenosis is severe and bothersome, a surgical procedure that places a glass tube leading from the caruncle into the nasal cavity can be considered. 