Watering is caused either due to overproduction of tears or impaired drainage. The overproduction of tears is most commonly associated with irritated ocular surface. Drainage problems occur when the nasolacrimal duct is blocked.
Treatment of epiphora is based on the underlying cause. An irritated ocular surface is treated with intensive lubrication and local steroid drops.
The blocked nasolacrimal duct requires surgical intervention for the symptoms to be relieved. The procedure is called dacryocystorhinostomy and is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgery can be carried out either externally via a skin incision or internally through the nose and use of the endoscope. The aim of the procedure is to create a new passage from the eye to the nose that bypasses the blockage and allows the tears to be drained effectively.
