Blocked Tear Duct or Dacryostenosis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
A blocked tear duct is a partial or complete blockage in the system that carries tears away from the surface of the eye into the nose. It is more common in newborns and younger infants. One or both eyes can be constantly filled with tears or mucus.
- It is contagious.
- Dacryostenosis is also called congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).
- Tears flow out of the eye through the tiny pores easily visible in the corners of the eyelids nearest the nose.
- Tears normally drain through the tear ducts into the nose.
- The blockage may be temporary, caused by old mucus and debris in the duct.
- It may be more permanent, caused by narrowing of the duct or actual blockage.
- Tears flow back into the eye, where they collect, along with dead cells from the skin of the eyelids, and dirt and dust from the environment.
- Blocked tear ducts can cause watering eyes, tears running down the face, pus discharge, crusted mucous on the eyelashes and increased eye infections.
- If your child has complete dacryostenosis, no tears can drain. With partial dacryostenosis, some of your child’s tears may still be able to drain.
- It depends on certain weather conditions such as extreme sun, wind, or cold.
Obstruction of the tear duct is caused by:
- Bacterial infection.
- Eye infection.
- Fracture of nose or any of the bones of face.
- Sinus.
- Nasal infection.
- Inherited abnormality.
Symptoms of Blocked Tear Duct
- Pain in the eyes.
- Redness and swelling in the eye.
- Teary eyes.
- Eyes are crusted and matted with discharge.
- Rubbing eye more than usual.
- Bluish swelling near the inner corner of his eye.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Blocked Tear Duct
Tests that may be done include:
- Eye exam.
- Special eye stain (fluorescein) to see how tears drain.
- X-ray studies to examine the tear duct (rarely done).
Treatment is decided keeping in mind your child’s age, overall health, and medical history and the extent of the condition, your child’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the condition, your opinion or preference.
- The most common treatment for a blocked tear duct is gently “milking” or massaging the nasolacrimal duct two to three times a day.
- A warm compress (often a towel) may be pressed on your child’s eye to decrease swelling.
- Antibiotic medicine to help treat or prevent infection.
- Water pressure is used to open up your child’s tear duct.
- Surgery may be done to make a new passage for tears to drain into your child’s nose.
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