Tearing is a natural and necessary function that keeps the eyes moist, clean, and healthy. But when tears don’t drain properly–either due to a blockage, narrowing, or malfunction of the tear drainage system–they overflow onto the cheeks or create a constant watery sensation or repeated eye infections.
Surgery can be performed to re-route the tears around the blocked tear drainage system which can improve the infections and the tearing.
Dr. Melanie Erb is a fantastic physician. Dr. Erb’s thoroughness is outstanding as she meticulously attended to every detail in my situation. I felt that she left no stone unturned in discovering the best plan of action that completely met my objectives. I trust Dr. Erb, and had an all-around positive experience. I will be referring friends and family to her.
Common causes include:
- Punctal stenosis (narrowing of the tear duct openings)
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (full blockage in the tear drainage system)
- Eyelid malposition, such as ectropion
- Previous trauma, surgery, or chronic inflammation
- Congenital tear duct problems (in younger patients)
Dr. Erb will conduct a complete ocular and tear system exam, including irrigation, probing, and tear film analysis, to pinpoint the cause and determine the most appropriate surgical solution.
Surgical Solutions for Tearing
Depending on the cause and severity, Dr. Erb may recommend one of the following procedures:
Punctoplasty
Widening the tiny drainage holes (puncta) in the eyelid to improve tear outflow. This is often used for mild to moderate narrowing.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
A more advanced surgery to create a new drainage channel between the tear sac and the nasal cavity. This is commonly used when the nasolacrimal duct is blocked.
Tear Duct Probing and Irrigation
A diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic procedure to open partially blocked ducts.
Silicone Stent Placement
Thin tubes may be placed in the tear ducts during surgery to maintain the newly opened pathway during healing.
Each technique is tailored to your condition and personal anatomy. In some cases, surgery may be performed in-office, while other situations require a surgical center setting.
What to Expect After Surgery
- Procedure time: 20 to 90 minutes, depending on complexity
- Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general anesthesia, if required
- Downtime: Bruised and swollen for 2 weeks
- Results: Most patients report relief from excessive tearing
Dr. Erb carefully monitors your healing and ensures any silicone stents (if used) are removed at the appropriate time–typically within a few weeks to months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tearing Surgery
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Not always. Dr. Erb will explore nonsurgical options first.
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No. These procedures are internal or minimally invasive and do not change your appearance.
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Paradoxically, yes. In some patients, dry eye triggers excessive reflex tearing. Dr. Erb will evaluate whether this is part of your issue.
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While recurrence is rare, it is possible. Dr. Erb uses techniques designed to minimize this risk.
Why Choose Dr. Melanie Ho Erb for Eye Tear Duct Surgery?
With years of focused experience and thousands of eyelid and tear duct procedures performed, Dr. Erb brings unmatched expertise to surgical tear correction. Her training as both an ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon means she understands the intricate function of the entire eye–not just its appearance.
Patients across Southern California trust her for:
- ASOPRS fellowship-trained oculoplastic expertise
- Comfortable, minimally invasive surgical options
- Direct one-on-one care throughout the process
- Collaboration with your eye doctor or dermatologist, if needed
- A gentle, honest approach with long-term results in mind
End the Constant Tearing – Explore Tear Duct Repair Surgery in Irvine
If you’re tired of watery eyes interfering with your life, Dr. Melanie Ho Erb offers trusted and effective solutions for excessive tearing. As a leading oculoplastic surgeon near Los Angeles, she delivers both precision and compassion–so you can feel and see clearly again.
Schedule your tear duct evaluation in Irvine today, and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Medically reviewed by Melanie Ho Erb, M.D. on