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Tearing

Your tears serve a vital function — they moisten and protect your eyes. But the lacrimal ducts responsible for allowing the tears to drain can sometimes get clogged or malpositioned, which leads to excessive and persistent tearing. The blockage can occur in the opening in the eyelid, the small drain in the eyelid, or the duct in the nose. If you find yourself constantly wiping away tears, there’s a strong chance you’re dealing with a blocked duct and need treatment.

What Causes Excessive Tearing?

Tearing can result from excess tear production or insufficient drainage. Excess tear production may happen because of an unhealthy tear film or dry eyes. Insufficient tear drainage may happen because of blocked or malpositioned ducts along the lacrimal drainage path, which starts from the eyelids and reaches the nose. If any ducts along this path are blocked, you may suffer from excessive tearing.

Evaluation

Lacrimal system evaluation is a thorough physical examination of the eye and tears production systems. During this evaluation, Dr. Braunstein will review your symptoms, such as eye discharge, excessive or insufficient tearing, burning or itching sensations, and vision problems. She may also use special medical tools to assess tear production and determine the root cause of excessive tearing, based on which she’ll curate a personalized treatment plan.

The Procedure Details

The first step in lacrimal surgery is to undergo a thorough evaluation with Dr. Alexandra Braunstein to determine the underlying cause of excessive tearing. Depending on the findings, she may recommend one of several surgical options to alleviate symptoms. These may include minimally invasive techniques such as the widening of the tear ducts or more involved surgery such as a dacryocystorhinostomy. The specific details of the lacrimal surgery will be determined after a thorough consultation.

Recovery & Aftercare

After lacrimal surgery, patients typically experience minimal pain and discomfort, with a quick return to normal activities. To ensure a smooth recovery, patients are advised to follow specific aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Braunstein, which may include using ice packs, avoiding strenuous activities, and following a prescribed eye care regimen. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Braunstein are important to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Braunstein

If you are experiencing excessive tearing or watery eyes, it’s time to take action. Dr. Alexandra Braunstein is a fellowship-trained expert in lacrimal surgery and is dedicated to providing patients with personalized treatments. Schedule a consultation at her Morristown office to receive a thorough evaluation and learn more about your options for relief. With her expertise and advanced surgical techniques, you can trust that you are in good hands. Don’t let excessive tearing affect your daily life — schedule your consultation with Dr. Braunstein today.

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