Blocked Tear Duct (Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of a blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction)?

A blocked tear duct, also known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction, can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

1. Excessive tearing: Also known as epiphora, this is a common symptom of a blocked tear duct. Tears cannot drain properly, leading to overflow onto the cheeks.
2. Watery or sticky discharge: A blocked tear duct can cause a build-up of mucus or pus in the corner of the eye, leading to a watery or sticky discharge.
3. Eye irritation: The eye may become red, swollen, or irritated due to the inability to properly drain tears.
4. Blurred vision: In some cases, a blocked tear duct can cause blurred vision, especially if the cornea becomes irritated or damaged.
5. Eyelid swelling: Swelling of the eyelid near the affected tear duct may occur, especially if there is an infection present.
6. Eye infection: In severe cases, a blocked tear duct can lead to an eye infection (conjunctivitis) due to the build-up of bacteria in the tears.
7. Pain or tenderness: There may be pain or tenderness around the affected tear duct, especially if there is an infection or inflammation present.
8. Crusting of the eyelashes: Due to the build-up of discharge, the eyelashes may become crusted or sticky.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a blocked tear duct, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional for proper evaluation and treatment. Blocked tear ducts can often be treated effectively, especially if diagnosed early.

What are the causes of a blocked tear duct?

A blocked tear duct, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction, can have several causes. These include:

1. Congenital blockage: Some people are born with a blockage or narrowness in the tear duct, which can lead to a blocked tear duct from birth.
2. Age-related changes: As people age, the tear duct system can become narrower or less efficient, leading to a higher risk of blockages.
3. Infections: Infections of the eye or surrounding tissues can cause inflammation and swelling that can block the tear duct.
4. Injuries: Trauma to the face or eye area can cause damage to the tear duct system, leading to a blockage.
5. Tumors: Growths or tumors in the nasal or sinus area can compress the tear duct, leading to a blockage.
6. Nasal or sinus conditions: Conditions such as chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps can cause inflammation or blockages in the tear duct.
7. Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis), or thyroid eye disease, can cause inflammation or damage to the tear duct system.
8. Medications: Some medications, such as certain chemotherapy drugs or antiviral medications, can cause inflammation or damage to the tear ducts.
9. Idiopathic: In some cases, the cause of a blocked tear duct is not known.

It’s important to consult with an eye care professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis if you suspect you have a blocked tear duct. Treatment options depend on the cause and severity of the blockage.

What is the treatment for a blocked tear duct?

The treatment for a blocked tear duct, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction, depends on the underlying cause and severity of the blockage. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Conservative management: In some cases, a blocked tear duct may resolve on its own, especially in infants. Gentle massage of the tear duct area and warm compresses may help open the duct and promote drainage.
2. Medication: Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection present, or steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation.
3. Tear duct probing: In this procedure, a thin probe is inserted into the tear duct to clear the blockage. This is often done under local anesthesia in a healthcare provider’s office.
4. Tear duct irrigation: This procedure involves flushing the tear duct with a saline solution to clear the blockage. It is usually done under local anesthesia.
5. Balloon catheter dilation: In this procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the tear duct and inflated to widen the duct. This is often done under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
6. Surgery: If conservative treatments are not effective, or if there are structural abnormalities in the tear duct, surgery may be necessary. The two main surgical options are dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), which creates a new drainage pathway for tears, and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (endo-DCR), which uses a tiny camera to guide the surgery.
7. Stenting: In some cases, a stent may be placed in the tear duct to keep it open and allow for proper drainage of tears.

The appropriate treatment for a blocked tear duct depends on the specific cause and severity of the blockage. It’s important to consult with an eye care professional for proper evaluation and treatment recommendations.