Crocodile Tears: An Eye Condition You Didn't Know Existed
Watering eyes while chopping onions can be annoying but this is a temporary problem. But, if generally without any reason there is excessive eye watering, this is not normal. Either excessive tear production or insufficient tear film drainage through the nasolacrimal system may be to blame for this. Epiphora or Crocodile tears syndrome is the name of this condition, which can affect one or both eyes. It causes eyesight problems. Although it could appear at any age, it primarily affects young children under 12 months old or the elderly over 60.
What leads to this condition?
Blockage of tear ducts
Either edema or inflammation has restricted the tear ducts or they have been obstructed. The tear sac will fill up as a result of the obstruction in tear drainage. The danger of infection from this stagnant tear will rise, causing the eyes to discharge a viscous liquid. This will result in visual issues like blurred vision, eyelid crusting, swelling, and redness.
Along with swelling on the interior of the eyes and obstructed canaliculi, an infection can also produce swelling on the side of the nose.
Tears over-production
Your eyes produce more tears when they are irritated as a defense mechanism against the irritant. The following could be responsible-
• Damage to the eyes by dirt, dust, or other objects because of a scratch or abrasion
• Allergy brought on by dust, pollen, etc
• Infections of the eyes such as Keratitis and allergic or infective conjunctivitis
• Trichiasis, a condition where the eyelashes grow inward i.e. towards the eyes rather than away from them
• Ectropion, a condition in which the lower eyelid turns outward away from the eye
• Certain substances or their vapors, smoke
• Cold or windy conditions
• A stye, or corneal ulcers
• Bell’s palsy
• Meibomian gland Abnormality
• Use of specific medicines
• Dry Eyes
People who produce tears with a greater fat or lipid content will find that their tears are distributed unevenly, leaving some areas of their eyes dry. More tears are shed as a result of this.
How to tell you suffer from Epiphora?
Your medical practitioner can examine you for the above condition:
As individuals with epiphora have less particles in their tears, a test to determine the chemical composition of tears should be performed.
Examining of the upper and lower eyelids to reveal the epiphora underlying cause
Examination of eyes with a scope to observe the blood vessels and check eye pressure
Insertion of a probe to determine whether the drainage canal is blocked
Liquid insertion to inspect the tear duct for obstruction; the person’s tear system is not blocked if they feel the liquid in their nose, but it is obstructed if it flows back towards their eyes.
How could it be treated?
Treatment is dependent on the causes of epiphora and is not required in moderate cases-
1. Drops of antibiotic medication are used if it's due to bacterial infections.
2. In situations of trichiasis or some irritant, their removal should be done.
3. In ectropion, surgery is essential to tighten the tendon.
4. In case tear ducts are obstructed, Dacryocystorhinostomy, a procedure where a new channel is constructed from the tear sac to the inside of the nose
5. If the canaliculi are too tiny, a probe can be used to widen them, but if they are entirely blocked, surgery will be necessary.
6. Tears may be released by gently massaging the tear ducts.
When is the need to see a doctor?
See an eye specialist, ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon if any of the following symptoms develop-
• Diminished or hazy vision
• Irritation, inflammation or discomfort near the eyes
• Long lasting eye redness
• A perception of an unfamiliar object in the eyes
• While blinking if there is any burning or discomfort
Although epiphora is not a highly dangerous eye ailment, it can nonetheless be uncomfortable and interfere with daily life. Consult immediately if you are dealing with the above issues.
