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Evaluation and Imaging of Lacrimal Drainage Disorders

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Oculofacial, Orbital, and Lacrimal Surgery

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Abstract

The lacrimal drainage system is a mucous membrane-lined duct whose function results from the interplay of anatomy and physiology. The presence of epiphora depends on the balance between tear production and tear drainage, not the absolute status of either. No single evaluation test will localize the anatomic site of blockage or the physiologic basis for the imbalance between tear production and tear drainage. A detailed combination of external examination and one or more clinical tests will usually uncover the correct etiology of drainage dysfunction. In some difficult cases, imaging techniques will enhance the reliability of the diagnosis and permit an appropriate management strategy. The most common clinical tests include the dye disappearance test, the Schirmer test, and the Jones I and II tests. The most useful imaging techniques are dacryocystography, dacryoscintigraphy, CT and MRI scans, and ultrasonography.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of North Carolina, Durham, NC, USA

    Jonathan J. Dutton

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  1. Jonathan J. Dutton
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Correspondence to Jonathan J. Dutton .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Eyelid and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and MediSpa, Diseases and Surgery of the Orbit & Lacrimal System Neuro-ophthalmology, Glenview/Chicago, IL, USA

    Adam J. Cohen

  2. Oculoplastics, Orbital, and Cosmetic Facial Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Madison, WI, USA

    Cat Nguyen Burkat

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Dutton, J.J. (2019). Evaluation and Imaging of Lacrimal Drainage Disorders. In: Cohen, A., Burkat, C. (eds) Oculofacial, Orbital, and Lacrimal Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14092-2_38

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14092-2_38

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