21. The Etiology of Epiphora: Do not Forget ENT causes
Tariq Enver1, Arif Hussain2, and Nasir Mahmood3
ABSTRACT
Objective: There are many causes of epiphora, and treatment is different according to the cause. We aimed to find the etiology and the treatment modalities of affected patients but not forgetting ENT causes of epiphora.
Study Design: Prospective Study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Pak Red Crescent Medical and Dental College in the Departments of Eye and ENT from Jan 2019 to August 2019.
Materials and Methods: This study was done at Pak Red Crescent Medical and Dental College in the Departments of Eye and ENT from Jan 2019 to August 2019. Study included 50 patients. All patients were examined by EYE surgeon and later referred to ENT surgeon to rule out any ENT cause i,e sino nasal disease
Results: A total of 50 cases (32 men & 18 women) were included. The age range was 18 to 60. Bilateral epiphora was present in 5 patients (10%) and unilateral epiphora in 45 (90%). Lacrimal system disease was the commonest cause followed by ocular surface disease. ENT causes were the last including nasal polyps, DNS, allergic rhinitis; hypertrophic inferior turbinate’s secondary to chronic rhinitis/ sinusitis and rhinitis medicamentosa. About 2% had previous treatment by ophthalmic surgeons but without any success.
Conclusion: Epiphora not only causes disturbance in the life of the patients but also puts them at risk for eye operations later on. There are several different causes of epiphora but don’t forget Sino nasal causes. Treatment depends upon etiology after a thorough history, examination and investigations.
Key Words: Epiphora, Nasal, Polyps, DNS, Hypertrophic Inferior Turbinate’s.
Citation of article: Enver T, Hussain A, Mahmood N. The Etiology of Epiphora: Do not forget Ent causes. Med Forum 2019; 30(11):79-82.