Eyelid epiphora secondary to lacrimal gland fistula.

An aberrant opening of the lacrimal gland duct into the temporal upper eyelid skin caused troublesome epiphora in a patient. This occurred either as a congenital anomaly or by blunt trauma to the eyelid. The epiphora was relieved by redirecting the flow of tears from the external to the internal eyelid. This treatment prevented the recurrence of the fistula and preserved the flow of tears to the eye.