Restore comfort by addressing excessive tearing, a condition that can cause constant eye watering, blurry vision, irritation, redness, and even skin chafing. As a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon and national instructor in tear drainage surgery, Dr. David Isaacs offers expert, minimally invasive solutions to help you regain clear vision.
Relieve Constant Tearing and Eye Irritation
Excessive tearing, also known as epiphora, occurs when tears overflow onto the face instead of draining properly through the tear ducts. This can lead to chronic eye watering, blurred vision, irritation, and discomfort in daily life. Epiphora is commonly caused by blockages or narrowing within the tear drainage system, such as punctal stenosis, canalicular stenosis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), or post-surgical scarring. When left untreated, epiphora can impair visual function and increase the risk of infection.
Dr. Isaacs is a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon and a nationally recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of tear drainage disorders. He uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause of epiphora and offers minimally invasive, highly specialized procedures that restore natural tear flow while preserving facial aesthetics and comfort.
Common Symptoms of Excessive Tearing:
- Constant overflow of tears down the cheeks
- Blurred or fluctuating vision due to watery eyes
- Redness or irritation around the eyes
- Skin chafing or soreness near the eyelids
- Sensitivity to wind, light, or cold air
- Recurrent eye infections or discharge
- A feeling of tears not draining properly
Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Epiphora Treatment
Dr. Isaacs begins every case of excessive tearing with a thorough and highly personalized evaluation. Using advanced diagnostic techniques, including lacrimal irrigation and probing, the dye disappearance test, and imaging when necessary, he identifies the location and cause of tear drainage dysfunction. Dr. Isaacs curates a targeted plan that may include one or more procedures based on your anatomy, the severity of the blockage, and surgical history.
Punctal/Canalicular Stenosis
When the tear duct opening (puncta) or the drainage canals (canaliculi) become narrowed or scarred, Dr. Isaacs performs precise dilation or microsurgical reconstruction to restore normal tear flow. Using high-magnification visualization, he opens or rebuilds these delicate structures while preserving the natural contour of the eyelid. For more severe cases, canalicular reconstruction may involve creating a new channel for tear drainage using minimally invasive techniques that avoid visible scarring and ensure a more durable outcome.
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
For patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), Dr. Isaacs performs endoscopic DCR. This technique creates a new channel for tears to bypass a blocked nasolacrimal duct and drain into the nasal cavity. Using a high-definition endoscope inserted through the nostril, Dr. Isaacs visualizes the inside of the nasal passage and pinpoints the tear sac. He then removes a small section of the bone between the sac and the nose to create a new opening. Endoscopic DCR ensues faster healing and fewer complications than older methods.
Jones Tube Placement
In cases of complete canalicular blockage where standard reconstruction is not possible, Dr. Isaacs may recommend a Jones tube placement. This involves inserting a small, medical-grade glass tube to create a new tear drainage pathway directly from the eye to the nose.
Dr. Isaacs uses meticulous techniques to ensure proper positioning and minimize complications like tube displacement or irritation. Dr. Isaacs has extensive experience with this procedure and uses advanced tools to optimize the tube’s function and stability.
Revision Surgery
Dr. Isaacs is frequently sought out for complex revision cases following prior unsuccessful surgeries on the tear ducts. Whether the issue stems from persistent scarring, incomplete drainage, or surgical complications, his expertise in reconstructive techniques allows him to address failed repairs and restore function. Revision procedures may include scar release, stent placement, or redoing previous surgeries using minimally invasive or endoscopic methods.
Schedule Your Consultation
David Isaacs, MD, is a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon and internationally recognized expert in tear drainage disorders. As a sought-after educator, he trains surgeons worldwide in advanced techniques like endoscopic DCR, Jones tube placement, and revision lacrimal surgery. With customized care and a focus on minimally invasive, scarless solutions, Dr. Isaacs delivers lasting results with aesthetic sensitivity. Schedule your consultation in Beverly Hills to explore the most advanced treatments for excessive tearing.
