Tearing , or having too many tears, can come
from being sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes. Protecting your
eyes (by wearing sunglasses, for instance) sometimes solves the problem. Tearing
may also mean that you have a more serious problem, such as an eye infection or
a blocked tear duct. Your eye doctor can treat or correct both of these
conditions.
Q: My child has been tearing since
birth. What could be wrong with her?
A: The normal production of
tears in the lacrimal gland develops several days to 2 weeks after birth. Tears
cross the cornea, exit via the superior and inferior puncta on the lids, and
travel through the nasolacrimal system. Tears reach the nose thru Hasner’s
valve, the terminal part of the nasolacrimal duct.
There are 2 physiologic
types of tearing. The first is basal tear production, which keeps the eye moist
and during normal conditions. The second is reflex tearing, which occurs as a
response to eye irritation or emotion. The medical term epiphora is used to
describe a condition caused by either an increase in tear production or an
obstruction in the nasolacrimal outflow system.
The most common cause of
tearing in the neonatal period is nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Most of the
time, the obstruction is due to an impatent Hasner’s valve. Infants with
congenital NLDO present with a watery eye and an increased tear meniscus,
matting of eyelashes, and mucus in the medial canthal area. If left untreated,
most obstructed nasolacrimal ducts open spontaneously by 6 months of age. The
incidence of spontaneously resolution decreases after 12 months of age.
During the observational
period, medical management involves a combination of nasolacrimal sac massage
and intermittent topical antibiotics. Antibiotic drops or ointment should not
be used if there is no sign of infection, such as mucopurulent discharge.
Probing of the nasolacrimal
duct between 6-12 months of age is recommended. This allows time for
spontaneous resolution. However, probing should be performed on an urgent basis
when there is swelling of the lacrimal sac, a condition called dacryocystocoele.
Nasolacrimal duct probing is
a simple but delicate procedure. A very small steel wire is passed thru the
nasolacrimal system, through Hasner’s valve, and into the nose. For the
child’s comfort, doing the procedure under general anesthesia is suggested. The
success rate of probing is approximately 90% particularly when done before 18
months of age. Intubation with silicone tubes is indicated in ducts that fail
to open with two probing procedures.
There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic:
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ONLINE ACCESS
WEBSITES.
http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic
Consultants Philippines Co. -
http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive
Surgery Resource
http://www.Cataract.com.ph - Cataract Surgery Resource
http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye
Information Online
http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids
http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina
Surgery Resource
http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma
Online
http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online
EMAIL. After writing down your comments,
suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how
to get in touch with you by providing your name, email,
home/office numbers, and mobile phone.
General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph
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Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph
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EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Atlas
CLINIC INFORMATION
Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via
SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC
(send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart). |
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Manila
3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310
1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita
Manila, 1000 Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398
Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30
Mobile: (63917) 899-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Asian Hospital
and Medical Center
5/F Medical Office
Building (MOB) Suite 509
2205 Civic Drive,
Filinvest, Alabang
Muntinlupa City,
1781 Philippines
Direct:
(632) 771-9253
Direct and Fax:
(632) 771-9254
Mobile: (63917) 795-2020
Map and Directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Medical City
6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602
MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue
Pasig City, 1604, Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846
Mobile: (63917) 537-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
St. Luke's
Medical Center
6/F
Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC)
North Tower Suite 614
279 E. Rodriguez
Sr. Boulevard
Quezon City, 1102
Philippines
Direct and Fax:
(632) 407-3883
Mobile: (63917) 855-2020
Map and directions
|
CLINIC HOURS
First-Come, First-Served
Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays
|
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PEDIATRIC TEARING information compiled by
Dr. Barbara L. Roque
and initially uploaded on May 1, 2005.
Last updated on
September 13, 2007. |
