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Acquired Etiologies of Lacrimal System Obstructions

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The Lacrimal System

Abstract

The nasolacrimal drainage system is a unique physiologic system that is simple and elegant in design, yet is elaborate in the function of tear drainage, with the lacrimal pump and its anatomical construction. Epiphora may result when there is an excessive production of tears, hypersecretion, an inadequate evaporation and drainage, impairment of the lacrimal pump, stenosis or obstruction at any section of the lacrimal drainage system, or a consequence of any pathologic process that interferes with the physiology or continuity of the lacrimal drainage apparatus. Epiphora is determined by a balance between tear production and tear drainage and not by the absolute function or dysfunction or either. It can be isolated or may involve multiple levels, at any level of the lacrimal drainage system.

You as the physician must be able to determine the cause of the epiphora, and the appropriate treatment plan. Your understanding and knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the lacrimal drainage system will help you arrive at the correct diagnosis of the cause of the epiphora, and then be able to provide the correct and successful treatment plan.

I hope that the following classification system, the discussion of the location and cause of nasolacrimal duct stenosis and/or occlusion and the etiologic classification system, as discussed in this chapter, will provide a useful mechanism in the formulation of a differential diagnosis and help to develop the appropriate evaluation and treatment plan for each and all of your individual patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oculoplastic, Facial, Orbital, and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA

    Daniel P. Schaefer M.D., F.A.C.S. (Director Clinical Professor Clinical Assistant Professor)

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA

    Daniel P. Schaefer M.D., F.A.C.S. (Director Clinical Professor Clinical Assistant Professor)

  3. Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA

    Daniel P. Schaefer M.D., F.A.C.S. (Director Clinical Professor Clinical Assistant Professor)

Authors
  1. Daniel P. Schaefer M.D., F.A.C.S.
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Correspondence to Daniel P. Schaefer M.D., F.A.C.S. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Assistant Professor, Section Director of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery, Private Practice, Glenview, IL, USA & Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Adam J. Cohen

  2. Opthalmic Consltants, Sarasota, Florida, USA

    Michael Mercandetti

  3. Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Medical College of Cornell, New York, New York, USA

    Brian Brazzo

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Schaefer, D.P. (2015). Acquired Etiologies of Lacrimal System Obstructions. In: Cohen, A., Mercandetti, M., Brazzo, B. (eds) The Lacrimal System. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10332-7_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10332-7_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-10331-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-10332-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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