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Epiphora (Watery Eyes)

Epiphora is a condition that refers to excessive watering of the eyes.

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Treatment Details

What to typically expect when you choose this treatment.

Treatment time: Day surgery

Anaesthetic: Local/Numbing Cream

Recovery: 10-14 days

Results: Up to 8 weeks

Back to Work: 1-2 weeks

Longevity: Dependant on cause

What is Epiphora?

Watery eyes are the consequence of overproduction of tears and/or reduced drainage of tears from the eyes. This condition can be very troublesome and significantly impact one’s quality of life through blurred vision, secondary skin soreness from wiping, social embarrassment.

A thorough quality assessment identifies the reason and treatable causes, most of which are non surgical often the causes are multifactorial watery eyes due to overproduction of tears are often encountered in people who have dry eyes driving the stimulation of lacrimal gland and reflex overproduction of tears.

This is common in people using screens for work, working in air conditioned environment, or walking the dog (cold air causing lacrimation). Many local inflammatory conditions such as hayfever, allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, rosacea are often accompanied by watery eyes.

Treating them will improve the condition. Systemic inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, Chron’s, lupus, sarcoidosis can have similar effect on ocular surface, leading to watery eyes.

Systemic inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, Chron’s, lupus, sarcoidosis can have similar effect on ocular surface, leading to watery eyes conditions affecting normal drainage of the tears from the eyes/eyelid to the inside of the nose also lead to watery eyes.

Examples include:

  • eyelid malpositions/ turns such as entropion, ectropion
  • narrowing of the entry into the lacrimal apparatus (punctum)- a small procedure called punctoplasty can cure watery eyes
  • narrowing / blockage of the thin duct leading to lacrimal sac (canaliculus)- secondary to chronic inflammation, trauma, herpes infection, radiotherapy/ certain systemic chemotherapy (cisplatin, 5FU)- dilating it and inserting a thin tube/ stent can alleviate the symptoms
  • conditions affecting the lacrimal sac such as stones, rarely tumours
  • narrowing/ blockage of the nasolacrimal duct – lacrimal bypass surgery (DCR) helps this with great success rate (90-95%)
  • loss of part of lacrimal drainage (secondary to trauma, tumour removal)- more complex surgery such as insertion of a thin glass tube called Lester Jones tube can help or Botox to the lacrimal gland to reduce watering by decreasing tear production
  • loss of pump function – through reduced or lost ability to contract in muscles located in the inner corner of the eye , also called ‘functional’ naso-lacrimal duct obstruction- lacrimal bypass surgery (DCR) also helps but in less patients compared to a physical blockage (50-60% success rate) If the loss of function is complete such as in facial nerve palsy (‘Bell’s palsy)- Botulinum toxin administered to lacrimal gland can also help

Treatment for Epiphora

Although some people might have temporary improvement in symptoms, treating the cause of watery eyes requires treating the cause identified.

This can be done with the help of antihistamine tablets and/or drops, anti-inflammatory drops (steroids), artificial tear drops, ointment at bedtime (Hylo-night), application of hot (for dry eyes) or cold masks (for hayfever), supplementation of diet with Omega3, and lifestyle changes (regular screen breaks, increase hydration).

These treatments can improve the symptoms significantly and reduce/eliminate the need for surgery.

Preservative free, hyaluronic acid based eye drops are most effective moisturisers for example Thealoz-Duo, Hylo-forte, Hycosan Plus- but many others are available over the counter.

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Procedure Details

Time: Day surgery

Anaesthetic: Local/Numbing Cream

Recovery: 10-14 days

Results: Up to 8 weeks

Back to Work: 1-2 weeks

Longevity: Dependant on cause

Testimonials

What others are saying

“Thank you for your kindness and expert removal of the lesion from my left, lower eyelid. I can't believe the itchy, weeping, ugly thing has gone at last. I have had no pain whatsoever and no bruising either. A testimonial to your skill. I am so grateful . This has made a huge difference to my life. Thank you so much.”

A.C.March 2023
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My Approach

Patient-Centric Care

My approach goes beyond surgical expertise; it’s about building a trusting, nurturing relationship with my patients, providing tailored information on potential treatments and honest, realistic expertise on results that could be achieved, and discussing the risks and benefits for your particular situation to allow you to make the best decision for yourself.

This could be having a procedure or another treatment or having nothing done, either way my aim is to empower you to decide what is best for you and makes you happy.

I am committed to guiding you through the entire process, from the initial consultation to post-operative care, which is included in the price for private patients and comes with a guarantee of being seen after the procedure and continuity if you have any issues after the treatment.

The excellent teams in Medical Eye Clinic and RDUH are dedicated to your comfort, safety and peace of mind throughout the journey.

Positive Outcomes

I have witnessed the transformative power of oculoplastic surgery in countless patients’ lives. Witnessing restored confidence and improved vision are the rewards that fuel my passion for what I do. I strive for excellence in every procedure, aiming for outcomes that exceed your expectations.

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You deserve to see the world with a fresh perspective, and our uplifting oculoplastic surgery services are here to help you achieve that. Explore our website to learn more about our procedures, read testimonials from my patients, and take the first step towards a brighter future for your eyes.

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