One of the common causes of excess tearing is a blockage in the nasolacrimal (tear) duct. When tears cannot drain into the nose from the nasal portion of the eyelids, the blockage can cause tears to back-up. The primary causes of a blockage are aging, inflammation, trauma, certain medications and tumors. Sometimes the blockage can cause an infection in the tear duct system known as dacryocystitis. The eye can become painful and red, and in severe cases a fever develops.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery is often recommended to create a new tear drainage passageway, prevent future infections, and to correct chronic dacryocystitis. DCR is normally an outpatient procedure generally performed with local anesthesia and moderate IV sedation. Through a small, 1/2″ incision on the side of your nose, a new connection is made between your tear sac and the back of your nasal cavity. Dissolvable sutures are used and the scar usually fades away within 6 weeks. There is minimal pain after surgery and it is normal to have mild to moderate bruising around your eye for 1-2 weeks. Most people return to work within 10-14 days. An oculoplastic surgeon is best trained to perform this surgery.