A blocked tear duct, also known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction, is a condition where the tear drainage system of the eye is partially or completely blocked, preventing the normal flow of tears.

This blockage leads to several symptoms, such as eye irritation and recurrent infections. While this condition is common among infants, it can also affect adults.

In this article, the eye care specialists at Magrabi Health provide important information about blocked tear ducts, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

 

What is a blocked tear duct?

 

The tear drainage system is composed of several components that work together in harmony to keep the eye moist and protected.

In this system, the lacrimal glands produce tears that flow across the surface of the eye. The tears drain through small openings in the upper and lower eyelids called puncta, then pass through small canals called canaliculi to the lacrimal sac beside the nose.

After that, the tears move through the nasolacrimal duct and empty into the nose, where they either evaporate or are absorbed.

A blocked tear duct refers to an obstruction at any point in this pathway, preventing the normal flow of tears and causing them to accumulate in the eye, thus increasing the risk of inflammation and infection.

 

Causes of blocked tear ducts

 

Blocked tear ducts can be congenital or acquired, depending on the age of the affected person and the underlying causes of the condition. Eye care experts at Magrabi Health provide more detailed explanations of the causes of blocked tear ducts below:

 

• Congenital blocked tear duct: Some infants are born with a membrane covering the nasolacrimal duct, which usually opens naturally after birth. In some cases, this membrane may fail to open, leading to a blocked tear duct. Most infants recover on their own by the age of 6 to 12 months.

 

Acquired blocked tear duct: Adults may develop blocked tear duct due to various factors, including:

 

• Infection: Chronic sinus infections or conjunctivitis can lead to scar tissue formation that blocks the tear ducts.
• Injury: Facial or nasal injuries can cause swelling or the formation of scar tissue, obstructing tear drainage.
• Aging: As individuals age, the tear duct openings may narrow, increasing the likelihood of blockage.
• Tumors: In rare cases, tumors may press on the tear drainage system, preventing the normal flow of tears.
• Nasal Polyps: Abnormal growth in the lining of the nose can block the tear ducts, especially in individuals with nasal allergies.

 

Symptoms of a blocked tear duct

 

Excessive tearing (epiphora) is one of the most common symptoms of a blocked tear duct. This symptom may be accompanied by other signs, including:

 

• Redness and irritation of the eyes, as well as irritation around them.
• Mucous discharge.
• Crust formation on the eyelashes.
• Swelling around the eyes.
• Blurred vision.

 

These symptoms may worsen after exposure to wind, cold weather, or sunlight. In advanced cases, a blocked tear duct can lead to recurrent infections, known as dacryocystitis. The symptoms of this condition include:

 

• Swelling and pain around the inner corner of the eye.
• Redness around the eye or nose.
• Pus discharge from the eye.
• Fever.

 

Diagnosis of a blocked tear duct

 

Ophthalmologists at Magrabi Health diagnose blocked tear ducts by conducting several tests, including a comprehensive eye exam. They may perform a procedure called "irrigation and probing," which involves flushing fluid through the tear ducts to confirm whether they are blocked.

In some cases, the patient may need imaging tests, such as X-rays or a CT scan, to determine the location and cause of the blockage.

 

Treatment of blocked tear ducts

 

Choosing the appropriate treatment for a blocked tear duct depends on identifying the cause and considering the patient’s age. The treatment options provided by the ophthalmology experts at Magrabi Health include:

 

• Conservative treatment for children: Most cases in children improve naturally as the tear drainage system matures. Magrabi doctors often advise parents to gently massage the tear duct area to help open the blocked membrane. This is done by applying pressure to the lacrimal sac through the inner corner of the eye and nose.

 

Most children with blocked tear ducts recover during their first year of life with this simple massage technique.

 

• Treatment for adults: In adults, doctors may prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection. For partial blockages, they may perform a procedure called "irrigation, probing, and dilation" to widen the tear duct openings using a small instrument, inserting a probe to remove the blockage, and then flushing the treated area with a saline solution to ensure proper tear drainage.
• Balloon catheter dilation: In advanced cases, doctors may use a balloon to widen the tear duct. This procedure involves inserting a small tube with a deflated balloon into the nasolacrimal duct. The balloon is then inflated and deflated to widen the duct and remove the obstruction.
• Surgery: If previous treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be the best solution. Doctors may perform a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) to treat the blocked tear duct. During this surgery, the doctor creates a new passage for tears to drain into the nose, bypassing the blocked duct. A small stent is usually placed to keep the new passage open during recovery.

 

In rare cases, doctors may perform a "CDCR", which involves reconstructing the entire tear drainage system.

Neglecting the treatment of a blocked tear duct may lead to recurrent infections that could later affect the health of the sinuses and eyes, making early diagnosis and treatment essential to avoid complications.

A proper diagnosis requires a visit to a specialized eye hospital with experienced and skilled doctors who can effectively handle eye conditions. This ensures the patient receives the appropriate treatment and avoids complications.

Book your appointment now at the nearest branch of Magrabi Health to receive the best eye care services in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and maintain your vision for life.

 

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-blocked-tear-duct

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17260-blocked-tear-duct-nasolacrimal-duct-obstructio