A patient receiving chemotherapy may complain of increased tearing.
Causes of tearing after chemotherapy:
(1) inflammation of the lacrimal glands with increased lacrimation
(2) partial or total stenosis with obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system (causing overflow)
(3) meibomian gland dysfunction and/or loss
(4) other (poorly understood mechanisms)
Failure to treat stenosis of the lacrimal duct system early can lead to severe and irreversible punctal-canaliculus stenosis, which may necessitate CDCR (conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy).
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