Tearing

There are many different causes of tearing. There can either be an overproduction of tears, or inadequate drainage. Overproducing tears is often due to underlying dry eyes, which causes reflex tearing.This can also be seen in allergic or infectious conjunctivitis or other ocular surface abnormalities. The inadequate drainage of tears can be related to eyelid malposition, prior sinus surgery or trauma, history of chemotherapy for cancer (e.g. Taxotere), infection of the tear sac (dacryocystitis), or blockage of the tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction).

The treatment of tearing involves identifying and correcting the underlying cause. Occasionally, tearing can be due to a combination of problems, and it takes a specialist to sort through these to come up with a proper treatment regimen. Dr. Yoon specializes in tear duct surgeries and state-of-the-art techniques. He is an expert in endoscopic approaches to addressing the tear duct, without leaving a visible scar.