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External Disease·San Clemente, Orange County

Excessive Tearing (Epiphora) Treatment in San Clemente, 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.

San Clemente's coastal environment can influence how excessive tearing (epiphora) presents and responds to treatment. Factors like UV exposure, wind, and marine air quality are considered in our evaluation and management approach.

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 San Clemente 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)?

San Clemente residents may notice symptoms more acutely during outdoor activities—ocean glare, wind, and sand can amplify visual disturbances and discomfort:

  • 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?

For San Clemente's coastal residents, we consider your active outdoor lifestyle when recommending treatments—ensuring solutions work for beach activities, water sports, and sun exposure:

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 San Clemente Patients

Common questions from San Clemente 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 San Clemente's coastal residents, we also assess environmental factors like UV exposure and salt air irritation that may influence symptoms and diagnosis.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for excessive tearing (epiphora) including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. We consider San Clemente's active beach lifestyle when selecting treatments—ensuring your correction works for water sports, outdoor activities, and sun exposure.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. We know San Clemente residents value flexibility—we offer early morning appointments so you can still enjoy your coastal afternoons.
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 San Clemente Residents

San Clemente patients seeking care for excessive tearing (epiphora) benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Living in San Clemente's coastal environment adds unique considerations—UV exposure, wind, and salt air can influence both symptoms and treatment choices. 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 San Clemente

Spanish Village by the Sea with surf culture and coastal lifestyle

Population: 65,000+

SurfersRetireesBeach lifestyle enthusiastsArtistsMilitary families

Languages Spoken in San Clemente

Our practice serves the diverse San Clemente community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanish

Eye Health Priorities for San Clemente

  • UV damage and photokeratitis from ocean glare
  • Pterygium (surfer's eye) from wind and sun exposure
  • Dry eye from salt air and coastal winds
  • Sports vision needs for water activities

Conveniently Located Near San Clemente Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for San Clemente patients living near:

San Clemente Pier
San Clemente Outlets
Casa Romantica Cultural Center
Trestles Beach
San Clemente State Beach
Richard Nixon Western White House

Getting to Our Office from San Clemente

Drive Time
45 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
26.5 mi

San Clemente patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 45 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

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

San Clemente Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Downtown San Clemente
  • San Clemente Pier Area
  • Talega
  • Marblehead Coastal

Zip codes: 92672, 92673, 92674

Why San Clemente 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

San Clemente 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 San Clemente

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 San Clemente

See why your neighbors in San Clemente 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 San Clemente and Orange County residents.