Tearing and Lacrimal System Houston

If you are experiencing issues such as excessive tearing and poor tear drainage, you may be experiencing issues with your lacrimal system that require expert medical care. At Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Mirwat Sami can properly diagnose the cause of your issues and provide you with an effective treatment plan.

How Tearing and the Lacrimal System Function

The eye, an essential organ of sight, needs constant lubrication to function properly. The tear film provides vital nutrients to the eye’s surface, protects the delicate structures, and helps maintain crisp vision.

Many different glands secrete the various components of the tear film, working together to provide the optimal environment for the eye. These tears constantly bathe the eye and are propelled towards the inner corner of the eye with each blink. Here, you find the lacrimal drainage system that drains tears into the back of the nose (nasal pharynx) from where they are swallowed.

The Primary Causes of Tearing Issues

Excessive tearing is often a complex condition influenced by multiple factors. Addressing it requires a systematic approach to identify and treat each contributing issue.

Decreased Tear Drainage
Tearing may occur even when tear production is normal if the nasolacrimal system (tear drainage system) is partially or completely blocked. This can lead to intermittent or constant tearing. In severe cases, a blocked duct may cause recurrent infections that spread to the skin and tissue around the eye.

Tear Overproduction
Excess tearing can also result from an overproduction of tears despite a functioning drainage system. One common cause is dry eyes, where poor tear film quality leads to dryness and irritation. This triggers the glands to produce excess tears, overwhelming the drainage system and causing tearing.

Other causes of tear overproduction include:

• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Allergies
• Ocular surface irritation
• Infections

Combination of Factors
For many patients, tearing results from a combination of issues rather than a single cause. Multiple factors often interact and require a thorough evaluation to identify and treat. For instance, blepharitis may lead to poor-quality tear film, dry eyes, and excessive tearing, while also causing scarring in the tear drainage system, further reducing its effectiveness.

Diagnosing the Issue

In order for our team to diagnose the cause of your tearing and lacrimal system issues in Houston, oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Sami will perform a detailed history and thorough examination. Depending on the cause, different treatment options are available, ranging from medical to surgical.

Dr. Sami can review the options available to you based on the cause and extent of the issue. Our team can also discuss insurance and payment options when you come for your Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery appointment.

Benefits of Treatment

Addressing tearing and lacrimal system issues can significantly improve your quality of life:

• Relief from constant tearing and eye irritation
• Reduced risk of infection
• Improved vision clarity
• Enhanced comfort in daily activities
• Prevention of skin irritation around the eyes
• Reduced dependency on tissues and eye wiping

Ideal Candidates for Tearing and Lacrimal System Treatment

Candidates for tearing and lacrimal system treatments are individuals experiencing excessive tearing, poor tear drainage, or recurrent eye infections. You may be an ideal candidate if you:

• Suffer from constant watery eyes that interfere with daily activities
• Have symptoms of tear duct obstruction, such as swelling or redness near the nose
• Experience recurrent infections or irritation around the eyes
• Notice eye discomfort or blurry vision due to excess tears
• Have been diagnosed with conditions like dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation that contribute to tearing issues
• Are in good overall health to undergo minor medical or surgical procedures

What Happens During the Procedure?

Treatment for tearing and lacrimal system issues depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Dr. Sami will customize your procedure to address your specific needs. Non-surgical treatments such as medications or targeted therapies may be used for mild-to-moderate cases, while issues like nasolacrimal duct obstruction may require surgical intervention.

If surgery is needed, the most common procedure is a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). This involves creating a new drainage pathway to bypass the blocked tear duct, allowing proper tear flow. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, and it may be performed externally (with a small incision near the nose) or endoscopically (through the nostril, without external incisions).

What to Expect After the Procedure

After your procedure, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort around the treated area. These symptoms typically resolve within one to two weeks. For surgical procedures, patients may need to:

• Use prescribed antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection
• Avoid blowing your nose or heavy lifting for one to two weeks
• Follow all post-operative instructions carefully for best results

Most patients can return to light activities within a week, though complete healing may take several weeks. Dr. Sami will provide detailed aftercare instructions and monitor your progress during follow-up visits.

Providing Personalized Care

At Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on our compassionate patient care, our sensitivity and understanding of each patient’s needs and expectations, and our drive for excellence. We aim to help you and your loved ones feel welcome, comfortable, and 100% satisfied with your experience.

Led by Dr. Mirwat Sami, a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with advanced training in lacrimal system treatments and reconstructive surgery. With years of experience treating various lacrimal system issues, Dr. Sami has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results and earning the trust of countless satisfied patients.

The Cost of Tearing and Lacrimal System Treatment

The cost of treating tearing and lacrimal system issues varies widely depending on the type of treatment required. Non-surgical options, such as medications, are typically less expensive, while surgical interventions, like a dacryocystorhinostomy, may cost more. We are happy to work with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for medical procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sami so she can properly diagnose the tearing and criminal system issues you are experiencing, please do not hesitate to contact us at 713-668-1264 so we can help enhance your life. Dr. Sami is a Houston oculofacial plastic surgeon and an expert in the field of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.