Watery eye

Watery eye is a common problem which can impact severely on people’s quality of life.

Ordinarily tears are produced in the lacrimal gland and flow across the eyelid during blinking. They are then pumped through the canaliculi to the lacrimal sac. From here they drain into the nose.

Anything that causes increased tear production, such as irritation, or disrupts the flow of tears such as a blockages will result in tearing.

A diagram illustrating the normal flow of tears across the eye.

To successfully treat watery eye the underlying cause must be identified. The treatment may involve drops or surgery to unblock the drainage pathway or to pump the tears across the surface more effectively.

A dacryocystorhinostomy creates a new pathway between the lacrimal sac and the nose by removing a piece of bone from the side of the nose. This can be performed either through an incision on the side of the nose – an external dacryocystorhinostomy, or through the nose – an endonasal dacryocystrhinostomy. Dr Cunneen will discuss which technique is best suited for you particular circumstances.

 

If you’re interested in improving your vision, please book a consultation with Dr Tom Cunneen.