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External Disease·Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County

Excessive Tearing (Epiphora) Treatment in Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D. · Updated February 2026

Epiphora is the medical term for excessive tearing or watery eyes. It occurs when tears overflow onto the face rather than draining properly through the tear ducts. This can be caused by overproduction of tears (reflex tearing from dry eye, allergies, or irritation) or poor drainage due to blocked tear ducts, eyelid malposition, or age-related changes.

Rancho Santa Margarita families should know that excessive tearing (epiphora) can affect patients of all ages. Our practice provides age-appropriate evaluation and treatment, with clear explanations that help every family member understand the care plan.

Dr. Bonakdar on Excessive Tearing (Epiphora)

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert excessive tearing (epiphora) diagnosis and treatment for patients in Rancho Santa Margarita and throughout Orange County. With over 35 years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic technology, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their specific condition severity and lifestyle needs.

What is Excessive Tearing (Epiphora)?

Epiphora is the medical term for excessive tearing or watery eyes. It occurs when tears overflow onto the face rather than draining properly through the tear ducts. This can be caused by overproduction of tears (reflex tearing from dry eye, allergies, or irritation) or poor drainage due to blocked tear ducts, eyelid malposition, or age-related changes.

How is Excessive Tearing (Epiphora) treated?

Treatment options include Artificial tears for reflex tearing, Allergy eye drops, Warm compresses and massage, Punctal plugs (for dry eye-related tearing). The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Excessive Tearing (Epiphora)?

Common symptoms include Constant watery or teary eyes, Tears running down cheeks, Blurred vision from excess tears, Crusty eyelids or discharge, Frequent need to wipe eyes. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Excessive Tearing (Epiphora)?

Parents and families in Rancho Santa Margarita should watch for these symptoms in both children and adults, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes:

  • Constant watery or teary eyes
  • Tears running down cheeks
  • Blurred vision from excess tears
  • Crusty eyelids or discharge
  • Frequent need to wipe eyes
  • Redness and irritation
  • Mucus buildup in corner of eye

How is Excessive Tearing (Epiphora) treated?

We work with Rancho Santa Margarita families to select treatments that fit both the patient's needs and the family's schedule, with clear instructions parents and patients can follow at home:

Artificial tears for reflex tearing
Allergy eye drops
Warm compresses and massage
Punctal plugs (for dry eye-related tearing)
Tear duct probing and irrigation
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery
Ectropion or entropion repair

Excessive Tearing (Epiphora) FAQs for Rancho Santa Margarita Patients

Common questions from Rancho Santa Margarita patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose excessive tearing (epiphora) using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For Rancho Santa Margarita families, we provide age-appropriate testing for children and adults alike, with clear explanations that help parents understand their child's diagnosis.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for excessive tearing (epiphora) including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. We help Rancho Santa Margarita families choose treatments that fit the patient's age and the family's schedule, with follow-up plans designed around school and work calendars.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. We offer before- and after-school appointment times for Rancho Santa Margarita families, and can schedule siblings together to minimize trips to our office.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for excessive tearing (epiphora) diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

Have more questions? Call us at (714) 558-1182

Excessive Tearing (Epiphora) Care for Rancho Santa Margarita Residents

Rancho Santa Margarita patients seeking care for excessive tearing (epiphora) benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. We serve Rancho Santa Margarita families by making appointments efficient and educational, ensuring parents understand their child's diagnosis and every patient leaves with a clear care plan. We provide thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your individual needs. Whether your condition requires ongoing monitoring, medical therapy, or surgical co-management, our practice ensures continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery.

About Rancho Santa Margarita

Master-planned foothill community with excellent schools and outdoor recreation

Population: 48,000+

Families with childrenOutdoor enthusiastsCommuter professionalsActive community

Languages Spoken in Rancho Santa Margarita

Our practice serves the diverse Rancho Santa Margarita community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanishKoreanMandarin

Eye Health Priorities for Rancho Santa Margarita

  • Pediatric eye exams and vision screening
  • Myopia control and management
  • Sports vision for young athletes
  • Digital eye strain from screens
  • Learning-related vision problems

Conveniently Located Near Rancho Santa Margarita Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Rancho Santa Margarita patients living near:

Rancho Santa Margarita Lake
O'Neill Regional Park
Tijeras Creek Golf Club
RSM Town Center
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Getting to Our Office from Rancho Santa Margarita

Drive Time
35 min
Primary Route
241 Toll Road
Distance
16.8 mi

Rancho Santa Margarita patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 241 Toll Road in approximately 35 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get Directions

Rancho Santa Margarita Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Dove Canyon
  • Robinson Ranch
  • Tijeras Creek
  • Walden

Zip codes: 92688

Why Rancho Santa Margarita Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Excessive Tearing (Epiphora)

Corneal Specialty Practice

Dr. Bonakdar has 35+ years treating corneal conditions including excessive tearing (epiphora), with advanced slit lamp and topography diagnostics.

Scleral Lens Expertise

Custom scleral and specialty contact lens fittings for irregular corneas, dry eye, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Same-Day Urgent Visits

Rancho Santa Margarita patients with acute corneal symptoms can often be seen the same day for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Coordinated Surgical Care

When corneal surgery is needed, we coordinate with top corneal surgeons and manage your complete pre- and post-operative care.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Excessive Tearing (Epiphora) Specialist in Rancho Santa Margarita

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating excessive tearing (epiphora) and complex eye conditions. Trained at the #1-ranked Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.

35+ Years10,000+ PatientsBascom Palmer
Learn more about Dr. Bonakdar →

Patient Stories from Rancho Santa Margarita

See why your neighbors in Rancho Santa Margarita trust us with their vision.

Comprehensive Exam

"Not a fan of getting my eyes checked but the receptionist and Dr. were very nice and eased my anxiety."

emily garcia
Santa Ana, CA

Comprehensive Exam

"I came back for my yearly visit and had a great experience as always."

Eduardo arias
Santa Ana, CA

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Expert diagnosis and treatment for Rancho Santa Margarita and Orange County residents.