Blocked Tear Duct

Blocked Tear Duct
Table of Contents
Alternative names Definition Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors	Prevention Symptoms Signs & Tests Treatment	Expectations Complications Calling Your health care provider
Alternative Names dacryostenosis; blocked nasolacrimal duct; blocked lacrimal duct
Definition A partial or complete obstruction in the duct system that carries tears away from the eye.
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors The tears normally move across the eye from the outer corner toward the nose where they drain into the tear duct system through an opening called the lacrimal punctum. The tears eventually drain into the nose through the nasolacrimal duct. In infants, there may be a partial or complete blockage in the tear duct system, which may be evidenced by continual overflow of tears from the eye. Frequently this condition resolves on its own or with massage of the lacrimal duct. In adults, the tear duct system may become obstructed from chronic nasal infection or severe or chronic conjunctivitis. Trauma to the face or orbit may also result in tear duct blockage.
Prevention Many cases cannot be prevented. Adequate treatment of nasal infections and conjunctivitis may reduce risk. Safety measures may reduce the risk of trauma.
Symptoms tearing, increased which overflows onto the face or cheek mucus discharge in the eye crusting of eyelids
Signs & Tests standard ophthalmic exam fluorescein eye stain to observe the drainage of tears
Treatment Massage of the lacrimal sac area several times a day for 2 to 3 months may be enough to open the tear duct, as instructed by an ophthalmologist. Probing and irrigating the nasolacrimal duct may be sufficient to relieve an obstruction caused by a membrane within the tear duct system. If the patient is very young, anesthesia may be required for this procedure. If probing of the duct is not successful in relieving the obstruction, surgery may be indicated.
Expectations (Prognosis) Congenital tear duct blockage often clears spontaneously by 6 months of age. If it does not clear on its own, the outcome is still likely to be good with treatment.
Complications Tear duct blockage may increase the risk of eye infections.
Calling your doctor/health care provider Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms do not improve with treatment or new symptoms develop.