title: Etiology, diagnosis, management and outcomes of epiphora referrals to an oculoplastic practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
authors.forename: Guang-Lin
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.affiliation: Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-Ping
authors.initials: XP
authors.lastname: Ma
keywords: dry eye; epiphora; etiology; lacrimal disease