Clogging of the tear duct
When the tear duct is blocked, tears are not absorbed normally, as a result the eye remains irritated and watery. Clogging of the tear duct is caused by partial or complete obstruction of the tear drainage system
Lacrymal duct obstruction is common in newborns, although their condition usually improves in the first year without medical intervention. In adults, a blocked duct may be caused by trauma, infection, or cancer
Lacrymal duct obstruction almost always responds to treatment Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and your age
Tears are produced in the lacrimal glands These glands are located in the upper eyelid of each eye Normally, tears flow from the lacrimal gland to the surface of the eye Tears are absorbed through small holes located near the angle formed by the upper and lower eyelids.
Ducts (canaliculus) in your eyelids carry tears to lacrimal sacs, which are located where the eyelids attach to the nose. From the lacrimal sac, tears flow into a duct (nasolacrimal duct) where they are released into the nasal cavity. Tears falling into the nasal cavity are absorbed back
A blockage can occur anywhere in the lacrimal drainage system from the foramen to the pit. At this time, tears are not absorbed normally and as a result the eyes are constantly teary, which increases the risk of eye inflammation and infections.
clamping of the lacrimal duct occurs at any age This condition may be present at birth Causes:
- Congenital suffocation Many newborns are born with blocked tear ducts The tear drainage system may not be fully formed or may be abnormal in structure In some cases, at the end of the duct of the nasolacrimal duct, from where the tear passes into the nasal cavity, a thin tissue membrane is found as a remnant, as a result, a newborn is born with a congenital blockage of the lacrimal duct. Obstructed duct in newborns is usually freed by itself in the first month or so of life
- Age-related changes As we age, the ducts near the corner of the eyelids (on the side of the nose) can become narrowed, which restricts the flow of tears in the direction of the nose, resulting in excessive tearing. Sometimes these ducts are completely blocked
- Infectious or inflammatory Chronic inflammation and infections of the eye, tear drainage system, or nasal cavity sometimes lead to blockage of the tear duct.
- Traumatic facial injuries Traumatic injury to the face may cause deformation of the bone near the drainage system, which restricts normal flow in the tear ducts.
- Cancer Tumors of the nasal cavity, sinuses, or lacrimal sac can develop following the drainage system. Along with the growth of the tumor, the tear duct is gradually blocked
- Topical medicines In rare cases, topical medications used to treat glaucoma or other conditions can block the tear duct.
- Medicines for cancer treatment Tear duct blockage may be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Symptoms may be caused by a blocked tear duct or a resulting infection:
- Excessive tearing
- Recurrent eye inflammation (conjunctivitis)
- Recurrent eye infections
- Painful swelling near the corners of the eyes
- Mucous or purulent discharge from the eyelid or surface of the eye
- Blurred vision
When to see a doctor If your eyes are constantly watery, irritated, or frequently get infections, make an appointment with your doctor Sometimes, the blockage of the tear duct is caused by a tumor that pushes up on the tear drainage system Early detection of the tumor provides a chance for optimal treatment
