Blocked Tear Duct
A blocked tear duct is common in newborns. The condition usually gets better without any treatment during the first year of life. In adults a blocked tear duct may be due to an injury, an infection or rarely, a tumor.
A blocked tear duct is almost always correctable. Treatment depends on the cause of the blockage and the age of the affected person.
What are the symptoms of blocked tear duct?
Signs and symptoms of a blocked tear duct include:
- Excessive tearing
- Redness of the white part of the eye
- Recurrent eye infection or inflammation (pink eye)
- Painful swelling near the inside corner of the eye
- Crusting of the eyelids
- Mucus or pus discharge from the lids and surface of the eye
- Blurred vision
What causes blocked tear duct?
Blocked tear ducts can happen at any age, from birth to adulthood. Causes include:
- Congenital blockage. Many infants are born with a blocked tear duct. The tear drainage system may not be fully developed or there may be a duct abnormality. Often a thin tissue membrane remains over the opening that empties into the nose (nasolacrimal duct).
- Age-related changes. As you age, the tiny openings that drain tears (puncta) may get narrower, causing blockage.
- Infection or inflammation. Chronic infection or inflammation of your eyes, tear drainage system or nose can cause your tear ducts to become blocked.
- Injury or trauma. An injury to your face can cause bone damage or scarring near the drainage system, disrupting the normal flow of tears through the ducts. Even small particles of dirt or loose skin cells lodged in the duct can cause blockage.
- Tumor. A tumor in the nose or anywhere along the tear drainage system can cause blockage.
- Eyedrops. Rarely, long-term use of certain medications, such as eyedrops used to treat glaucoma, can cause a blocked tear duct.
- Cancer treatments. A blocked tear duct is a possible side effect of chemotherapy medication and radiation treatment for cancer.
How the tear drainage system works?
The lacrimal glands produce most of your tears. These glands are located inside the upper lids above each eye. Normally, tears flow from the lacrimal glands over the surface of your eye. Tears drain into openings (puncta) on the inside corners of your upper and lower eyelids.
The puncta lead to small canals (canaliculi) that move tears to a sac to a reservoir on the side of the nose (lacrimal sac). From there tears travel down a duct (the nasolacrimal duct) and drain into your nose. Once in the nose, tears are reabsorbed.
A blockage can occur at any point in the tear drainage system, from the puncta to your nose. When that happens, your tears don’t drain properly, giving you watery eyes and increasing your risk of eye infections and inflammation
Risk factors that could cause blocked tears:
Certain factors increase your risk of developing a blocked tear duct:
- Age. Older adults are at increased risk of developing blocked tear ducts due to age-related changes.
- Chronic eye inflammation. If your eyes are continually irritated, red and inflamed (conjunctivitis), you’re at higher risk of developing a blocked tear duct.
- Previous surgery. Previous eye, eyelid, nasal or sinus surgery may have caused some scarring of the duct system, possibly resulting in a blocked tear duct later.
- Glaucoma. Anti-glaucoma medications are often used topically on the eye. If you’ve used these or other topical eye medications, you’re at higher risk of developing a blocked tear duct.
- Previous cancer treatment. If you’ve had radiation or chemotherapy to treat cancer, particularly if the radiation was focused on your face or head, you’re at higher risk of developing a blocked tear duct.
How to prevent yourself from blocked tear duct?
To reduce your risk of developing a blocked tear duct later in life, get prompt treatment of eye inflammation or infections. Follow these tips to avoid eye infections in the first place:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
- Try not to rub your eyes.
- Replace your eyeliner and mascara regularly. Never share these cosmetics with others.
- If you wear contact lenses, keep them clean according to recommendations provided by the manufacturer and your eye care specialist.
When to see an Ophthalmologist?
See your doctor if you tear constantly for several days or if your eye is repeatedly or continually infected. A blocked tear duct may be caused by a tumor pressing on the tear drainage system. Early identification of the tumor can give you more treatment options.
At eye center, we provide the latest treatment for blocked tear duct.
Book your appointment today and live with better vision
At eye center, we provide the latest treatment for blocked tear duct.
Book your appointment today and live with better vision
