DETECTION OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF EPIPHORA IN IRAQ.

This study was designed and intended to reveal the etiology of epiphora or Watery eyes referrals to ophthalmology department in Baquba teaching hospital. Cross-sectional study we blindly select 200 patients complaining of epiphora Baquba teaching hospital. Data collection was done in the ophthalmology department in outpatient clinic of the hospital. Patient demographics, past history and ophthalmic examination has been done for the selected subjects. There were 200 subjects with a primary complaint of epiphora. They included (55%) females and (45%) males with an average age of 56.9±23.9y. The most common causes of epiphora were lacrimal obstruction (50%); followed by reflex tearing (36%) and eyelid malposition (14%). Differences in prevalence of aetiology were noted in the terms of age and gender distribution. In conclusion, epiphora is a common condition generally affecting babies and older people with many etiology. A thorough history and examination are required to provide the appropriate treatment to the underlying cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]