Running Eyes

[Bonnie02102]

I had a problem with running eyes sometimes and then I had cataracts removed from both eyes. Shortly after the eye surgery I had breast cancer surgery along with chemo and radiation.  Now my eyes are running all the time, it is very annoying I was told that maybe I needed surgery on them because the tear ducts are probably blocked. I really do not want another surgery and was wondering if there is something else I can do and whether or not the chemo or radiation could have played a part in this.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Bonnie02102,

I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD.  It is possible that some chemotherapeutic treatments and/or radiation may affect the surface of your eyes causing them to “run”.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Sandra M Brown, MD]

It is also possible that you have developed Dry Eye Syndrome.  Treatment for breast cancer can often causes this condition because medications which change your hormone balance are used, and hormones are very important for tear production.  Dry Eye Syndrome can cause a lot of "reflex tearing" because your eyes dry out and then your tear system works overtime to catch up.

You should see an Eye-MD.  If you have not been back to your cataract surgeon, start there.  If you have, and he has proposed additional surgery on your tear ducts, get a second opinion first.  A test called a dacryocystogram can be helpful to determine precisely how your tear drainage canals are blocked, if they are.