Treatment options depend on the severity of the epiphora and its causes.â¨â¨Blocked tear ducts - surgery which creates a new channel from the tear sac to the inside of the nose may be necessary. This allows the tears to bypass the blocked part of the tear duct. This surgical procedure is called DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy).
Epiphora (watering eye) in babies - in the majority of cases the condition resolves itself on its own within a few weeks. Sometimes a sticky liquid may form around the baby's eye(s). In such cases, using a piece of cotton wool that has been soaked in sterile water can be used to clean the eye(s). Sterile water needs to be boiled - make sure it is cooled before dipping the cotton wool into it. â¨â¨If the patient has ectropion - the eyelid turns outwards - the patient may need to undergo surgery in which the tendon that holds the outer eyelid in place is tightened.â¨â¨In cases of Trichiasis - an inward-growing eyelash, or some foreign object that lodged in the eye, the doctor will remove it.
Treatment for irritation - if the watering eye is caused by infective conjunctivitis the doctor may prefer to wait for a week or so to see if the problem resolves itself without antibiotics. When allergic conjunctivitis is the cause the patient may be prescribed an antihistamine, which is effective in bringing down the inflammation.
