TEAR DUCT
WHAT CAUSES THE TEAR DUCT TO BECOME OBSTRUCTED?
Aging, previous surgery, sinus surgery, trauma, inflammatory conditions, medications and tumors can all be causes for the tear duct to become blocked. The duct can be blocked at multiple areas along the system, each requiring different treatments or surgeries to correct.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OBSTRUCTED TEAR DUCTS?
If your tear duct is obstructed you may experience overflow of the tears onto your cheek. You may notice a mucous discharge with swelling in the corner of the eye. A thorough examination is essential. An Ophthalmic Plastic surgeon can determine the cause and location of the tearing. The recommended treatment will vary depending on the exam.
HOW IS AN OBSTRUCTED TEAR DUCT TREATED OR REPAIRED?
A thorough exam will determine how the tear duct is repaired. If the duct is blocked proximally, it might only require an in office procedure. In more severe cases, a new tear duct might be required. This is called a Dacryocystorhinostomy or DCR surgery. DCR surgery allows the blockage to be bypassed by creating a new system to drain tears.
WHERE IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?
DCR surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in the hospital or at a surgery center. Patients usually have some bruising and swelling that will subside in one to two weeks. If the surgery requires additional Nasal or Sinus surgery, Dr. MacQuaid will work in conjunction with ENT to eliminate the need for another nasal surgery.
WHO SHOULD PERFORM DCR SURGERY?
When choosing a surgeon to perform a Dacryocystorhinostomy or DCR, check to make sure they completed a 2-year fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Ask how many they have performed and inquire about their success rate.
THE AGING FACE
Upper Eyelids: The skin on the upper eyelids is thin and loses elasticity as we age. This leads to excess skin and a tired appearance.
Lower Eyelids: The skin on the lower eyelids also stretches with time. The tensile strength of the eyelid decreases which results in a mild to moderate eyelid droop. Orbital fat protrudes which leads to a “puffy bag” on the lower eyelids. The volume around the eye also decreases leading to “hollowness” around the lower eyelids.
Eyebrows: With time, the soft fatty tissue beneath the eyebrows lessens. The fat in the temples also dissipates leading to a mild brow droop.
Midface: Loses volume and descends. Making the face look aged and tired. This creates lines around the mouth. A full midface creates a more youthful appearance.
Lips: Get thinner and lose volume as we age.
Nasolabial: The nasolabial lines is the line from the corner of your nose to the outer corner of the mouth. As we age, it becomes prominent because the midface droops and we lose volume.
Jawline: The jawline becomes less defined as we age.
SCHEDULE A VISIT
We are available Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Hunt Valley Location
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MEET DR. MACQUAID
Dr. MacQuaid is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon. An Oculoplastic Surgeon is someone who specializes exclusively in reconstructive, revision and cosmetic surgery of the eyes and surrounding tissue. She completed her fellowship at the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Dr. MacQuaid's services range from cosmetic surgery of the eyelids and eyebrows to the midface. Dr. MacQuaid is a renowned expert in reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, eyebrows, tear duct surgery, thyroid eye disease, and tumors. She has advanced training in non-surgical facial rejuvenation such as Botox®, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Radiesse® and Laser Resurfacing. She offers the latest technology available to patients.
Dr. MacQuaid is currently a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Aside from Ophthalmology, Dr. MacQuaid is a former Division One college athlete. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her husband Jerry and their two children.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
and Oculoplastic Surgeon
9 Schilling Road Suite LL8
Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031
479 Jumpers Hole Road Suite 106
Severna Park, MD 21146
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.