At OHSU Casey Eye Institute, our specialists can diagnose and treat all types of tear and tear duct conditions. Many procedures are done right in our offices, to help you feel better faster.

The tear gland continuously produces fluid, keeping your eyes moist and comfortable. Normally, these tears drain away through tiny ducts located near the inside corners of your upper and lower eyelids. When problems develop that cause tearing, conditions such as blocked ducts, dry eye, eyelid problems or misdirected lashes may be present, which can lead to loss of vision or blurred vision.

Our expertise

The tearing management team includes some of the top experts in the country in managing and treating tearing problems. We offer:

• Leadership in the field, so you receive care from doctors with an international reputation in treating tearing conditions, research and teaching.
• Innovation in tearing management treatments, including pioneering the development of the Jones Tube, the Frosted Jones Tube and the Narrow Lumen Jones Tube, which remain the most effective treatments for tearing management.
• Collaboration within OHSU with other specialists for complex eye diseases.

Technology

Our doctors and staff use the most advanced technology available today to assess and treat your tearing issue, including:

• Endoscope and surgical devices for endoscopic lacrimal surgery. The surgery allows doctors to avoid skin incisions and leads to faster surgery.
• 'Frosted' Jones tube, which is similar to the Jones tube but the tube's outer surface is roughened or frosted, which helps it stay in place.
• Narrow Lumen Jones Tube, which is for patients with decreased tear production.

Common treatments

We provide a range of medical and surgical treatments for tearing problems, including:

• Treatment for a blocked external tear drain (punctal stenosis).
• Treatment for a blocked tear drain in your eyelid (canalicular stenosis).
• Treatment for a blocked nasal tear drain (nasolacrimal duct obstruction).
• Dacryocystorhinostomy surgery, or DCR, which creates a new small passageway for tears between your eyes and your nose when you tear duct is blocked.
• Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy surgery, or CDCR, which installs a Jones tube to drain your tears from your eyes to your nose.

Resources

• Oculofacial plastics and reconstructive surgery
• Cosmetics
• Facial treatments
• Functional eyelid
• Orbital
• Skin care