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Blocked tear duct

Definition

A blocked treat duct describes a partial or complete blockage in the tear duct system. This duct system carries tears away from the surface of the eye, into the nose.

Alternative Names

Dacryostenosis; Blocked nasolacrimal duct

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Tears from the surface of the eye are normally drained into the nose by a convoluted tube called the nasolacrimal duct. If this duct is blocked, the tears will accumulate and overflow onto the cheek, even when a person isn't crying.

In children, the duct may not be completely developed at birth. This problem often disappears on its own. In adults, the duct can be damaged by infection, injury or tumor.

Symptoms

The symptom is increased tearing, which overflows onto the face or cheek.

Signs and tests

• Standard ophthalmic exam
• Internal examination of the nose
• Fluorescein eye stain to observe the drainage of tears
• Special X-ray studies may be done to study the duct

Treatment

For children with incomplete nasolacrimal duct development, massaging the lacrimal sac area several times a day, as instructed by an ophthalmologist, may be enough to open the tear duct. Persistent cases may require opening by a probing procedure. This may occasionally require anesthesia.

Adults require treatment of the cause of the blockage. This may re-open the duct if there is minimal damage. A surgery to reconstruct the passageway may be needed to re-establish normal tear drainage, and stop the overflow onto the cheek.

Expectations (prognosis)

Congenital (present at birth) tear duct blockage often clears by itself by 6 months of age. If it does not clear on its own, the outcome is still likely to be good with treatment.

Tear duct obstruction in adults has a variable outcome depending on the cause.

Complications

Tear duct blockage may increase the risk of eye infections.

Calling your health care provider

Anyone with tear overflow onto the cheek requires examination, since one of the possible causes is a tumor. Earlier treatment is more successful, and may be lifesaving.

Prevention

Many cases cannot be prevented. Proper treatment of nasal infections and conjunctivitis may reduce the risk. Safety measures may reduce the risk of trauma that can cause blockage.

Review Date:8/8/2006
Reviewed By:Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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