A clogged tear duct occurs when the eye's tear drainage system is partially or completely blocked, preventing normal drainage of tears. This can result in a watery, irritated or chronically infected eye. In this article and from the hand of the specialists of Nivaria Clinic In Santa Cruz de Tenerife we will tell you more details.
What causes tear duct obstruction?
Tears are produced in the lacrimal glands, located above each eye. They flow over the surface of the eye to lubricate and protect it, and then drain through small holes (puncta) in the corners of the upper and lower eyelids. From there, they travel through small channels in the eyelids (canaliculus) to a pouch where the eyelids join the side of the nose (tear sac), travel down a duct (the nasolacrimal duct) before emptying into the nose, where tears evaporate or are reabsorbed.
A baby may be born with a blocked tear duct (congenital blocked tear duct). It is estimated that almost 20% of newborns have a blocked tear duct, but this condition usually resolves on its own within the first four to six months. In adults, tear duct obstruction may result from an eye infection, inflammation, injury, or tumor.
Causes of clogged tear duct
A blockage can occur at any point in the tear drainage system, causing watery eyes and increasing the risk of eye infections and inflammation.
In the womb, babies have a thin membrane that seals the nasolacrimal duct. In newborns, a blocked tear duct may be the result of that membrane not opening as it should at birth.
Chronic nose infections and chronic sinusitis can irritate tissues and form scars that block the tear duct system.
Symptoms of a clogged tear duct
Symptoms may include watery eyes or tears coming out of the eyes. Symptoms may worsen after a cold or sinus infection, and be more noticeable after exposure to cold, wind, or sunlight.
When the tear ducts are blocked, trapped bacteria can lead to an infection (dacryocystitis), the symptoms of which include inflammation and redness in the inner corner of the eye or around the eye and nose, recurrent infections, discharge of eye mucus, crusty eyelashes , blurred vision, bloody tears and fever.
Treatments for clogged tear duct
Sometimes, multiple treatments or procedures are needed before a clogged tear duct opens completely. If an infection is suspected, one of our ophthalmologists will likely prescribe antibiotics.
For babies with congenital tear duct obstruction, the problem usually improves only in the first few months of life. In some cases, our ophthalmologist may recommend a special massage technique to help open the membrane.
In cases of tear duct obstruction after a facial injury, the drainage system usually begins to function again on its own a few months after the injury, and no additional treatment is required. In infants, young children, and adults with partial blockages, dilation, probing, and irrigation techniques may be used.
Balloon catheter dilation and intubation procedures are options to open narrowed or blocked tear drainage passages. Surgery is generally the preferred option for people with blocked tear ducts, and is also effective in babies and young children with congenital blockages.
