Tear duct obstruction, also known as dacryostenosis, is a condition that affects the drainage system of tears. Normally, tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, located at the upper outer part of each eye. From there, they flow through the lacrimal puncta, small openings at the inner corners of the eyes, into the lacrimal canals, tiny channels that connect the puncta to the lacrimal sac, a small pouch located beneath the eye. Finally, from the lacrimal sac, tears drain through the nasolacrimal duct into the nose, where they are absorbed.

However, when the tear duct becomes blocked at any point along its path, tears cannot drain properly, leading to a series of uncomfortable symptoms. This can occur for several reasons, including:

  • Congenital Causes: In some infants, the tear duct does not fully develop at birth, resulting in a congenital obstruction.
  • Infections: Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis, can inflame and obstruct the tear duct.
  • Inflammation: Some inflammatory diseases, such as sarcoidosis or Sjögren’s syndrome, can affect the lacrimal system and cause obstructions.
  • Trauma: A blow or injury to the eye or nose area can damage the tear duct.
  • Aging: As we age, the tear duct can naturally narrow, increasing the risk of obstruction.

Symptoms:

  • Excessive tearing, even without crying
  • Watery eyes, especially in wind or cold
  • Redness and swelling around the eye area
  • Sensation of a foreign body in the eye
  • Mucus or pus on the eyelids and eyelashes
  • Crusts on the eyelids
  • Blurred vision in some cases

Treatment of Tear Duct Obstruction:

The treatment for tear duct obstruction depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, applying eye hygiene measures, such as warm compresses and gentle massage of the affected area, may be sufficient. However, in more severe cases, medical procedures may be necessary, such as:

  • Tear Duct Probing: This is an outpatient procedure that involves inserting a thin probe into the tear duct to clear the obstruction.
  • Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): In cases of more complex obstruction, surgery may be needed to create a new drainage pathway for tears from the tear sac to the nose.