H04.221-223 Epiphora Due to Insufficient Drainage

Watering of the eyes is a common symptom in many ocular diseases and conditions. 

Epiphora is the term to describe watering that is associated obstruction in the lacrimal outflow pathway, rather than pseudoepiphora or hyperlacrimation, which refers to excessive watering due to reflex irritation of the corneal and conjunctival surface.  In true epiphora, the cause of the watering must be differentiated between anatomical and functional lacrimal pathway obstruction.

Anatomical Lacrimal Pathway Obstruction

• Punctal stenosis
• Canalicular stenosis

Lacrimal Pump Mechanism Failure

• Punctal ectropion
• Eyelid laxity
• Facial palsy

The Dry Eye Workshop Report (2007) stressed the importance of the Lacrimal Functional Unit in maintaining and preserving a healthy ocular surface.  The Lacrimal Functional Unit maintains ocular surface homeostasis by regulating tear flow and consistes of the following:

• Cornea
• Conjunctiva
• Lacrimal glands
• Meibomian glands

The neural response of the Lacrimal Functional Unit is initiated by activation of the afferent sensory nerves in the cornea and conjunctiva that stimulate efferent parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves that innervate the accessory and main lacrimal glands. 

The lacrimal apparatus is a network of anatomical structures, appendages, ducts and glands that secretes the pre-corneal tear film and then drains the tears from the surface of the eye.  The outflow of tears is accomplished by the lacrimal drainage system and it includes the following anatomical structures:

• Eyelid margin
• Lacrimal punctum
• Lacrimal canaliculus
• Lacrimal sac
• Nasolacrimal duct

Abnormal tearing is described as acute or chronic.  Acute epiphora is usually secondary to one of the following irritative ocular conditions: 

• Eyelid malposition
• Trichiasis
• Corneal foreign bodies
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Dry eye syndrome
• Environmental factors
• Emotional stress
• Sleep deprivation

Structural Damage to the Eye

• xxx

Functional Damage to the Eye

•  Decreased vision secondary to frequent blinking and eye rubbing

The main goal of the diagnostic examination in a patient with epiphora is to accomplish the following:

• Differentiate epiphora from pseudoepiphora by performing a lacrimal apparatus evaluation for likely nonobstructive causes of the watering
• Differentiate obstructive causes of epiphora from nonobstructive causes
• Find the site of the obstruction in cases of obstructive epiphora

Patient History

• xxx

External Ocular Examination with Biomicroscopy 

When examining the lacrimal drainage system, note any evidence of eyelid malposition and evaluate the dynamics of eyelid closure.  Normally, the eyelid margins will be in close proximity and the puncta are apposed when the eyelids are closed.  The normal punctum is in contact with the globe and is not usually visible without pulling the lower eyelid downwards and the upper eyelid upwards. 

Abnormal findings involving the punctum include malposition, stenosis or obstruction.  The lower canaliculus and the lacrimal sac should be palpated and compressed.  Abnormal findings include any pain or tenderness during the examination or any reflux of pus or mucopurulent material.

Epiphora is classified based on its cause – anatomical or functional.

Obstructive Causes

• Inflammatory processes
• Infectious process
• Mechanical processes

Nonobstructive Cause

• Punctal ectropion
• Eyelid laxity
• Facial palsy

Pseudoepiphora 

• Also known as hyperlacrimation (excessive watering due to reflex irritation of the corneal and conjunctival surface)
• Dry eye syndrome
• Foreign bodies
• Corneal or conjunctival abrasions
• Ocular allergies

The information currently being updated. Please check back later.

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