A blocked tear duct is a condition in which the tear duct in the eye is obstructed, preventing the tears from draining properly. A blocked tear duct can result in watery, irritated, and infected eyes. Blocked tear ducts are common in babies, but can also affect adults for a variety of reasons. We'll discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a blocked tear duct in this blog post.
The tear duct, also known as the nasolacrimal duct, is a small tube that connects the eye to the nose. When there is a blockage or narrowing of the tear duct, the tears cannot drain properly, resulting in a blocked tear duct. Tears flow from the eye to the nose, where they are absorbed and disposed of.
Some of the possible causes of blocked tear duct are:
Congenital blockage: Some babies are born with a thin membrane covering the opening of the tear duct, or with an abnormal or underdeveloped tear drainage system. This usually resolves on its own within the first year of life.
Age-related changes: As people age, the tear ducts may become narrower or less elastic, making them more prone to blockage.
Infection or inflammation: Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, or nasal infections, such as sinusitis, can cause swelling and inflammation of the tear duct or the surrounding tissues, leading to blockage.
Injury or trauma: Facial injuries, such as fractures or burns, can damage the tear duct or the bones around it, causing scarring or misalignment of the tear drainage system.
Tumor or polyp: A growth in the nose, such as a tumor or a polyp, can press on the tear duct and obstruct it.
Medication or treatment: Certain eye drops, such as those used for glaucoma, or cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can cause irritation or narrowing of the tear duct.
The main symptom of a blocked tear duct is excessive tearing or watering of the eye. The tears may overflow and run down the cheek, or collect in the corner of the eye. Other symptoms may include:
Eye redness or irritation
Crusty or sticky eyelashes
Mucus or pus discharge from the eye
Frequent eye infections or conjunctivitis
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
To diagnose a blocked tear duct, a health care provider will ask about the symptoms, examine the eyes, and perform some tests. The tests may include:
Tear drainage test: A special dye is placed on the surface of the eye, and the amount of dye remaining after five minutes is measured. If most of the dye is still on the eye, it indicates a blockage in the tear duct.
Irrigation and probing: A saline solution or a thin probe is inserted through the small openings at the corner of the eye, called puncta, and into the tear duct. This can help flush out any debris or locate the site of the blockage.
Eye imaging tests: X-ray, CT scan, or MRI can be used to visualize the tear duct and the surrounding structures, and to identify the cause and location of the blockage.
The treatment of a blocked tear duct depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Some of the possible treatment options are:
Medication: Antibiotic eye drops or pills may be prescribed to treat any infection or inflammation of the eye or the tear duct.
Massage: For babies with a congenital blockage, a gentle massage of the eye area may help open the membrane covering the tear duct. This should be done under the guidance of a health care provider.
Dilation, probing, and flushing: For mild or partial blockages, the tear duct may be dilated, probed, and flushed with a saline solution to clear the obstruction. This may be done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the age and condition of the patient.
Balloon catheter dilation: For more severe or persistent blockages, a balloon catheter may be inserted into the tear duct and inflated and deflated to widen the duct and restore the tear flow. This may be done under general anesthesia.
When the blocked tear duct is near the end of the duct, a surgical procedure called a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) may be performed. By bypassing the blocked tear duct, a new opening is created between the tear sac and the nose. To keep the new opening open until it heals, a small tube or stent may be placed in it. Under local or general anesthesia, it can be done either externally or endoscopically.
Tumor excision: For cases where the blockage is caused by a tumor or a polyp in the nose, a surgical removal of the growth may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the tear duct.
Some of the ways to prevent or reduce the risk of blocked tear duct are:
Practicing good eye hygiene: Keeping the eyes clean and free of debris, using warm compresses to soothe the eyes, and avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes with dirty hands can help prevent infection or irritation of the tear duct.
Treating eye or nasal conditions: Seeking prompt medical attention for any eye or nasal problems, such as conjunctivitis, sinusitis, or allergies, can help prevent inflammation or swelling of the tear duct or the surrounding tissues.
Avoiding injury or trauma: Wearing protective eyewear or a helmet when engaging in sports or activities that may pose a risk of facial injury can help prevent damage to the tear duct or the bones around it.
Following medication or treatment instructions: Using eye drops as prescribed, and following the advice of the health care provider regarding any cancer treatments, can help minimize the side effects or complications that may affect the tear duct.
