Etiology of Tearing: A Retrospective Analysis of Referrals to a Tertiary Care Oculoplastics Practice

Abstract

Our retrospective review of a series of patients referred to our practice for tearing revealed a significant proportion of patients whose tearing etiology was other than a nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Of particular interest is the fact that 40% of patients had dry eye with reflex tearing, and the majority of these improved with lubrication. These patients were all identified by performing a Schirmer test to quantify the basal tear production. We believe that the Schirmer test is a useful diagnostic tool in assessing patients with tearing and ensuring that the appropriate management approach is undertaken.

Prevalence and Associations of External Punctal Stenosis in a General Population in Spain

“…13,14 Studies performed in clinical settings report conflicting results ranging from 8% in a study among patients with epiphora to 54.3% in a study performed in a general ophthalmology outpatient clinic. 3,4 The striking differences in prevalence estimates shown in these investigations may be explained by several factors among which sampling procedures and diagnostic criteria are probably some of the most important. To minimize selection bias and reduce the possibility of misdiagnoses, we used a population-based approach and checked punctal morphology and size because considerable differences in punctal orifice size have been described among normal individuals.…”

“…The frequency of EPS in clinical practice is high, 3,4 and case series and a few hospital-based studies have linked several factors including infections, inflammations, lid malpositions, and certain medications to this condition. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] However, the prevalence and associations of this disorder in the general population are largely unknown because no population-based studies to our knowledge have been conducted so far.…”

Epiphora after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification: Study of Prevalence and Associated Factors

“…He identifies the most common cause to be nasolacrimal duct obstruction (48.7%), followed by dry eye with reflex tearing (40%). 8 Regarding high frequency of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, it must be noted that patients were screened prior to surgery, which means that the most evident causes of tearing may be underestimated, especially in the case of complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction.…”

Change in quality of life of patients undergoing silicone stent intubation for nasolacrimal duct stenosis combined with dry eye syndrome

“…Thus, epiphora may interfere with social activities. A previous study divided the aetiology of epiphora into several categories, such as dry eye with reflex tearing, lid malposition and nasolacrimal duct obstruction 2. However, these pathological conditions can coexist; thus, it is difficult to make a clear division.…”