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Tear Duct Surgery in Chicago:
Restoring Healthy Tear Flow
Are you constantly battling watery eyes? Excessive tearing, meaning tears running down your face, also known as epiphora, is more than just a nuisance. It can interfere with your vision, cause social embarrassment, and even lead to skin irritation. While dry eye can sometimes cause reflex tearing, true tear duct issues relate to the drainage system of your tears. Dr. Amjad Ahmad is a leading oculofacial surgeon in Chicago who specializes in diagnosing and treating tear duct problems. If you’re looking for effective solutions, natural results, and long-lasting relief, we encourage you to get in touch to schedule a consultation.
- Amjad Z. Ahmad, M.D. Oculofacial Surgeon
- Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
- Tear Duct Surgery
Tear Duct Issues vs. Dry Eye: Understanding the Difference
It's important to distinguish between tear duct problems and dry eye, as they require different treatment approaches.
Tear Duct Issues (Epiphora)
Epiphora refers to tears running down the face due to a blockage in the tear drainage system. This system, comprised of puncta, canaliculi, the lacrimal sac, and the nasolacrimal duct, carries tears away from the eyes into the nasal cavity. If there’s a blockage anywhere along this pathway, tears will overflow onto the cheeks, not just well up.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a separate condition characterized by insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation. While dry eye itself doesn't typically cause excessive tearing, it can sometimes trigger reflex tearing as the eye tries to compensate for the dryness. This reflex tearing is different from epiphora caused by a drainage problem. Dry eye is often treated by general ophthalmologists or optometrists, while tear duct issues often require the expertise of an oculofacial surgeon like Dr. Ahmad. Sometimes, patients have a combination of issues like dry eye and a partially blocked tear duct.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Tear Duct Issues
If you experience any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to visit a specialist like Dr. Ahmad for an evaluation:
Persistent Watery Eyes
Constant tearing down the face is the most obvious symptom and can interfere with daily activities and make social situations uncomfortable. It can affect vision, especially while you’re reading, and is often worse outside or when an overhead fan is on.
Mucus Discharge
A sticky or crusty discharge around the eyelids, especially upon waking, can indicate a tear duct problem.
Eye Irritation
Redness, burning, a gritty sensation, or a feeling of something being in your eye can accompany tear duct issues.
Blurry Vision
Tears overflowing onto the surface of your eye can significantly impair vision, making it difficult to read, drive, or perform other tasks.
Recurrent Eye Infections
A blocked tear duct can create a breeding ground for bacteria and increase the risk of eye infections.
Diagnosing and Treating Tear Duct Problems
Dr. Ahmad is a specialist in this area. He employs a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat tear duct issues, utilizing advanced techniques to pinpoint the location and cause of the blockage:
Irrigation and Probing
Dr. Ahmad will gently numb the tear ducts and then a sterile solution is gently flushed through the tear ducts to identify the location and severity of any blockages. You can’t get a real diagnosis without this step.
Thorough Examination
Dr. Ahmad will carefully examine your eyelids, puncta (tear drainage openings), and the surrounding area. Oftentimes, the history of the tearing will give us your diagnosis.
Tear Drainage Tests
Dr. Ahmad will conduct a dye test, in which he will put dye in your eye and wait 5-10 minutes to see if the dye travels down the tear duct or runs down the face.
Our Patient Testimonials
Read More Patient Success StoriesAvailable Treatment Options
Dr. Ahmad knows that every patient’s journey is unique. For treating tear duct problems, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. He will always start with a conservative approach depending on your symptoms and work toward other solutions if needed.
Observation and Conservative Measures
For some patients, a wait-and-see approach may be appropriate, as the tear duct could open spontaneously. Warm compresses and gentle massage can sometimes help.
A Stronger Approach
Dr. Ahmad creates a new passage and puts a silicone tube in the system, which stays for 3 months. Patients commonly experience eye irritation and many report feeling congested and or like they have debris in the nose. In some cases, Dr. Ahmad will leave a tube in longer than 3-6 months, especially when the patient has no problems with the tube. Occasionally, the tube will pull out of the tear duct and will need to be put back in place.
Why Choose Dr. Ahmad for Tear Duct Surgery?
Expertise and Specialization
Dr. Ahmad is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). He has extensive training and specialized experience in oculofacial surgery, and he’s incredibly passionate about helping his patients achieve the best outcomes through art and science.
Advanced and Minimally Invasive Techniques
Dr. Ahmad utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, whenever possible. This approach minimizes scarring and promotes faster healing.
Personalized Patient Care
He believes in providing compassionate, individualized care to each patient and that the foundation of success is building a trusting relationship. He takes the time to thoroughly explain the diagnosis, treatment options, and expected outcomes, ensuring you are well-informed and comfortable with your treatment plan.
Commitment to Long-Term Results
Dr. Ahmad is dedicated to achieving long-lasting relief from tearing and improving your overall eye health and comfort. His care doesn’t stop when you leave the office — consider yourself part of our community.
Serving Chicago & Lisle
Dr. Ahmad has two conveniently located offices in downtown Chicago and Lisle, providing accessible care to patients throughout the Chicagoland area.
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Schedule Your Extensive Consultation Today
Are you ready to find relief from watery eyes? Contact Dr. Ahmad's office today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options for tear duct treatment. Regardless of the symptoms of tear duct issues you’re facing, you can move forward confidently knowing Dr. Ahmad is on your side.