Fao York 310

[Maydup]

Hi York, I noticed you posting and would love to ask you a question about my eyes.

I once posted about Dry Eyes (couple of years ago now) but actually have overflowing tears. I have since had my tear ducts unblocked, and stents inserted and used every drops under the sun.

With very little improvement I have the option now to have surgery to bypass the ducts through the nose bone. I don't fancy that very much, but wonder if I don't do anything will the excess watering do me any harm long term?

[york310]

The excess watering will not really cause any long term damage although the wiping and drying of the skin nasally to the eye will cause discomfort, redness and irritation. I know how annoying it can be to constantly have to wipe your eyes and have seen how sore this area can get but everyone's tolerances are different. If you are unhappy and feel you cannot persist with your situation then surgery is a good option as you will not know if it can be improved unless all avenues are explored and tested.
Good luck

[Maydup]

I've remembered the name of the procedure I don't fancy much . Its dacryocystorhinostomy.

Nothing has worked so far but I just can't decide about having this done.

[Maydup]

Thanks York, do you have any thoughts on the success rate?

I suppose since I've had all of these other procedures (ducts and stents) but no sucess, I'm reluctant to have more invassive treatment.

[Maydup]

...unless I can be more certain that it will work.

[Prudie]

excuse me Maydup but may I ask York a similar question. One of my eyes constantly waters at the hint of going out in cool air, is this a sign of a blocked tearduct? It's very irritating, happens daily.

[Maydup]

No worries Prudie, do join me. Sometimes I have to wear sunglasses in the depths of winter, otherwise the watering is uncontrollable in the wind!

Forgive me I have no idea of your age, but the consultant tells me this is common in middle age. Tear ducts shrink gradually and can become blocked. They might respond to unblocking or temporary stents or need surgey like mine. Now yours might be something else, so do get it checked, but it sounds familiar.

[Prudie]

It could be an age thing then, my mother had it so I'd assumed it was genetic. Totally get the sunglasses thing. I wear a fair amount of eye make-up which probably doesn't help either. Mine also streams in the wind.

[york310]

Maydup - it is a relatively invasive treatment but it is an option available and something you will consider and determine if it is the right option for you at this time. It can also be something you return to if you decide against it at this time.

Prude - the reflex tearing you get from cold/wind stimulation is unlikely to be related to a blocked tear duct. These environmental stimulants are often associated with dry/watery eye conditions such as meibomiam gland dysfunction, blepharitis and tear insufficiency problems.
In general tear duct blockages have nasal overflow of tears and other dry eye issues have an overflow at the external part of the eye.

[Maydup]

Thanks York.

[slaney]

The success rate for dacryocystorhinostomy is generally given as 85-95%, your individual rate would have to be discussed with your ophthalmic surgeon.

Below is a link to a patient information sheet outlining the various procedures (open or endoscopic) available, and the anaesthetic used etc. which may be useful .

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/Media/Controlleddocuments/Patientinformation/Eyes/Dacryocystorhinostomy-patientinformation.pdf

[Maydup]

Thanks Slaney that is useful. You're not usually given that kind of info until you're booked in.

The nurse at the hospital simply told me to go online if I want to know more about it before I get the appointment through! (which will probably be a year or so away anyway!