Three Signs You Are Struggling with Epiphora
Three Signs You Are Struggling with Epiphora
Epiphora is an eye condition that is characterized by excessive tearing. Excessive tearing can be caused by excessive tear production, but it can also be caused by inadequate eye drainage. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, there are four types of epiphora. They include gustatory epiphora, reflex epiphora, obstructive epiphora, and hypersecretory epiphora, though the fourth type is considered to be exceedingly rare.
Excessive tearing can have many causes, possibly including chemotherapy medications. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating a link between the use of taxane chemotherapy agents, such as the drug Taxotere, and symptoms of epiphora. Below, we will briefly examine three of the most common signs that you might be dealing with epiphora.
Common Symptoms of Epiphora
Three of the most common symptoms of epiphora include:
- Excessive and potentially painful tearing that doesn’t stop, as well as red eyes
- Discharge and mucous in addition to excessive tearing
- Tenderness in the nostrils or sinus region
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, that might be a sign you are struggling with epiphora. To determine whether epiphora is the cause of your excessive tearing and other symptoms, you should seek prompt medical attention. A qualified optometrist should be able to give you a proper diagnosis. We highly recommend visiting a doctor who specializes in ocular surface diseases.
To diagnose your condition, your optometrist will most likely discuss your medical history with you, as well as any history of eye-related conditions. They will also perform tests to discern the quality and quantity of your tears. One diagnostic test that optometrists commonly use when epiphora is suspected is a “phenyl red thread test.” Your physician will also conduct a visual assessment of your eyes to determine whether a blockage is preventing tears from properly draining (they may use dyed eye drops to do this).
Depending on the nature and severity of your condition, it might resolve itself, but if the issue persists, treatment may be required. Your optometrist might recommend certain home remedies, including warm compresses, lubricating eye drops, and wearing protective sunglasses when you are out and about in windy or cold weather, as the winter months tend to be the driest, and wind gusts can kick up debris which could irritate your eyes.
If home remedies are insufficient, you might require medical intervention. Your optometrist may prescribe surgery if your tears are not properly draining due to blockages in your tear drainage ducts. If your optometrist believes that your condition has been caused by a bacterial infection, they may recommend eye medications such as antibiotic drops. They could also prescribe certain antihistamines if allergens contribute to your condition.
As indicated by the study published in the National Library of Medicine, epiphora is generally treatable, though some patients suffer from “functional” epiphora. In these cases, doctors may recommend treatments such as intubation, injecting botulinum toxin into the lacrimal gland, and dacryocystorhinostomy (a surgical operation that creates a new pathway for tears to flow from the tear duct sac into the nose).
The Taxotere Lawsuits
Some patients who developed symptoms of epiphora after receiving the drug Taxotere as part of their cancer treatment regimen have begun suing the manufacturer of the drug, Sanofi-Aventis. The plaintiffs in these cases are claiming that Taxotere is behind their epiphora diagnosis and that the drugmaker failed to warn the public about the drug’s potential to cause vision loss, tearing, and other eye problems.
Drugmakers are duty-bound to manufacture and market drugs that are safe for human consumption and to warn patients about any risks associated with taking their products. The plaintiffs in the Taxotere lawsuits have alleged that Sanofi-Aventis was aware of the risks, yet took no action to disclose this information to consumers.
If you received Taxotere as part of your cancer treatment plan and you were later diagnosed with epiphora, you might qualify for a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. If you believe that your eye problems were directly caused by taking Taxotere, you deserve a chance to hold the drugmaker accountable for its negligence. You should speak with an experienced product liability lawyer right away to determine whether you have a valid case and what your legal options are.
Contact an Austin Taxotere Lawsuit Attorney Today
The Austin-based Taxotere lawsuit lawyers are currently accepting clients who were diagnosed with epiphora and other eye conditions, including vision loss, after being prescribed Taxotere by their oncologist. If you think you are eligible for a lawsuit, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today to find out whether you qualify.
You should not be responsible for any costs associated with treating your condition if it was caused by the manufacturer’s negligence. The national mass tort litigation lawyers of Hotze Runkle PLLC have the resources to help you bring the strongest possible case and guide you through the legal process of pursuing the compensation you’re owed by the manufacturer that caused you harm.
Call us at (800) 763-6155 for a free, no-risk consultation.