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In order for the eye to remain healthy, it must remain moist. The main and accessory lacrimal glands are specialized glands secreting tears. Each time you blink, the eyelid spreads the tears over the surface of the eye and pumps excess tears into a "duct" that drains the tears into your nose. That is why your nose runs when you cry.
Dry Eyes: If the lacrimal gland fails to produce enough tears to properly wet the eye, the surface of the eye begins to dry out. An eye that is too dry typically burns, stings and feels as if there is sand in it. Artificial tears and lubricating ointments in mild form and closing the openings of the tear drainage system that drains tears from the eye into the nose in severe form can help.
Wet Eyes: If the lacrimal gland is producing tears properly and the "duct" that drains the tears from the eye into the nose becomes non-functioning, the tears will back up and spill over the eyelid and cause tears to run down the face. If one has a plugged up "tear duct," not only will tears spill over the eyelids and run down the face, but the stagnant tears within the system can become infected. An infection within the "tear duct" causes a painful swelling in the inner corner of the eyelids. Surgical elimination of the obstruction by creating a new tear duct is necessary to eliminate the tearing and infection that can result from such a blockage. It could be performed from inside the nose (Endoscopic) or with an incision over the skin (External).
Children are frequently born with an obstruction within the "tear duct" . Such obstructions may dissolve on their own within the first few months of life. If not, it can be eliminated with different surgical techniques.
Patients with problems of the tear drainage system are most commonly treated by ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons who specialize in diseases and conditions affecting the eyelids, the lacrimal system, the orbit, and adjacent facial structures.