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Etiology, diagnosis, management and outcomes of epiphora referrals to an oculoplastic practice
Guang-Lin Shen1, John D Ng2, Xiao-Ping Ma1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Aim:
To investigate the etiology, diagnosis, management and outcome of epiphora referrals to an oculoplastic practice.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review of patients referred for epiphora to an oculoplastic clinic between 2005 and 2009. Patient demographics, past history, ophthalmic examination, treatment and outcome were analyzed.
Results:
There were 237 subjects with a primary complaint of epiphora. They included 130 (55%) females and 107 (45%) males with an average age of 55.9±25.9y. The most common cause of epiphora was lacrimal obstruction (46%); followed by multifactorial epiphora (22%), reflex tearing (22%) and eyelid malposition (11%). Differences in prevalence of etiology were noted in terms of age and gender distribution. Of the 182 (77%) patients who returned for follow up, 41 (23%) reported a complete resolution and 102 (56%) reported a significant improvement in their symptoms.
Conclusion:
Epiphora is a common condition with many causes. A thorough history and examination are required to provide the appropriate treatment tailored to the underlying cause.
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