The product liability lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC are leading the way when it comes to fighting for the rights of breast cancer patients and survivors who have been hurt by the chemotherapy drug, Taxotere.
Taxotere has been shown to cause patients’ tear ducts to close, leading to permanent tearing that cannot be reversed except for intrusive surgery. When not properly treated, excessive tearing – also known as epiphora – can lead to serious eye-related health issues that can cause individuals plenty of pain and suffering.
But there is hope. You do NOT have to accept the negligent actions of the pharmaceutical company that has harmed you. Our committed team of Taxotere lawsuit attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC are ready to help you take a stand against those who harmed you.
What Is Epiphora?
Epiphora, or excessive tearing, is a condition in which the sufferer deals with an overflow of tears as the result of blocked tear ducts. While tears are important to maintain eye health and vision, in excess, they can obscure your vision and cause additional damages including infection, inflammatory disorder, and lead to the need for invasive surgery.
These additional issues arise when the tears become stagnant in the tear drainage system. Stagnant tears in the tear sac greatly increase the risk of developing an infection.
Common Symptoms of Epiphora (Watery Eyes)
When chemotherapy drugs such as Taxotere completely clog the tear ducts, the excessive tears will begin to spill out over the eyelids as a result of having nowhere else to go. A complete block can result in a severe overflow.
If you are undergoing or have completed chemotherapy treatment and are dealing with watery eyes caused by blocked tear ducts, please seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain around the eyes
- Enlarged blood vessels
- Redness
- Soreness
- Eyelid swelling
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sudden loss of vision
- Symptoms continue to worsen rather than improve
How to Get Diagnosed
Your local physician or eye specialist (ophthalmologist) will examine your eyes and both upper and lower eyelids to find the cause of the epiphora. Examinations will include:
- Testing blood vessels behind your eye.
- Eye pressure
- Inspection of sinus cavities
- Evaluation of your medical history
If you have any discharge from your eye, it may be tested to find out if you have any sort of bacterial infection.
Treatment Options for Excessive Tearing
Treatment for excessive tearing depends on the severity of the case. In certain instances, epiphora can be treated with antibiotics. However, for many individuals dealing with permanent tearing as a result of chemotherapy treatment, the only option may be a surgical procedure known as
dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).
Unfortunately, DCR can lead to additional health problems including migration of the Jones tube used to reopen the tear duct, scarring, or post-surgery infections.