Constant watery eyes, or epiphora, can impact daily life by causing discomfort and frustration. At our medical office in New York City, led by Dr. Alexander Rabinovich, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment options for watery eyes. Dr. Rabinovich specializes in understanding the complexities behind excessive tearing (Watery Eyes) and offers a range of tailored treatments to address each patient’s unique situation.
Common Causes of Watery Eyes and Available Treatments
- Dry Eyes and Blepharitis
A common cause of watery eyes is dry eye syndrome, where the eyes overproduce tears as a reflex response to dryness. This condition is effectively managed with lubricating eye drops that restore moisture and reduce excessive tearing. Another frequent cause is blepharitis, a chronic inflammation of the eyelids. For watery eyes caused by blepharitis, Dr. Rabinovich recommends a regular lid hygiene routine, including warm compresses and gentle cleansing with baby shampoo, to ease symptoms and reduce inflammation. - Eyelash and Eyelid Position Issues
Misdirected eyelashes or inward-turning eyelids (entropion) can lead to constant irritation and watery eyes. Simple procedures like removing the problematic lashes can offer short-term relief, but long-term solutions often involve surgical intervention. Dr. Rabinovich is skilled in performing eyelid correction surgery to alleviate irritation and treat watery eyes caused by these conditions. - Neuromuscular Conditions
Patients with facial nerve issues, such as those resulting from a stroke, may experience watery eyes due to incomplete blinking or difficulty fully closing the eyes. Since blinking helps tears drain properly, Dr. Rabinovich offers specialized treatment approaches to improve eyelid function and reduce tearing in patients with neuromuscular conditions.
How the Tear Drainage System Works
The tear drainage system begins with small openings at the inner corners of the eyelids called puncta. Tears travel from the puncta through thin tubes called canaliculi and eventually drain into the nasolacrimal duct, which leads to the nose. Blockages or narrowing in any part of this system can lead to persistent tearing.
- Punctal Stenosis: Narrowing of the puncta can impede tear drainage. In a simple in-office procedure, Dr. Rabinovich can dilate the puncta to restore natural drainage.
- Canalicular Obstruction: If the canaliculi are blocked, Dr. Rabinovich may insert thin silicone tubes during surgery to keep the canals open.
- Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: In cases where the nasolacrimal duct is obstructed, Dr. Rabinovich may perform dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, which creates a new drainage pathway for the tears and is often performed under general anesthesia.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) Surgery for Persistent Watery Eyes
For severe cases where tearing is caused by nasolacrimal duct obstruction, DCR surgery can offer significant relief. This procedure, conducted by Dr. Rabinovich, involves making a small incision near the eye’s inner corner to create a new channel for tear drainage. Silicone tubes are placed to keep the pathway open, and they are removed in-office after a few months. Patients can expect minimal swelling and bruising, with most noticing substantial relief once the tubes are removed.
Addressing Trauma-Related Tearing
Tearing can also result from trauma, such as facial fractures or injuries to the tear ducts or nasal structure. These injuries can disrupt the tear drainage system, leading to chronic tearing. Our medical office provides reconstructive surgery to restore proper drainage and resolve tearing caused by trauma.
Finding the Right Treatment Approach Watery Eyes
Treating watery eyes effectively starts with understanding the root cause. While some conditions, like mild dry eyes, may be managed with eye drops or lid hygiene routines, other structural issues require surgical solutions. At our practice, Dr. Rabinovich provides comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans, including non-surgical and surgical options, to offer lasting relief for each patient.
Consult with Dr. Alexander Rabinovich for Watery Eyes
For those struggling with persistent watery eyes, Dr. Alexander Rabinovich’s practice in New York City offers specialized care to identify the cause and provide effective treatment. Our office’s priority is to ensure patients receive informed care for relief and comfort. Appointments can be scheduled via our website’s chat feature or through ZocDoc at ZocDoc.
Contact Information Location: 1630 East 15th Street, Suite 203, Brooklyn, NY 11229
Phone: 1-718-375-6933
Email: info@eyeplasticsny.com
Dr. Rabinovich and his team are dedicated to delivering personalized, expert care for each patient, addressing both the causes and symptoms of watery eyes to restore comfort and quality of life.