Symptoms Experienced During Blocked Tear Duct and Its Treatments

Symptoms Experienced During Blocked Tear Duct and Its Treatments









The eyes are sensitive organs of the body. They are responsible for helping people see the environment that surrounds them. Without protective organs, the eyes can easily become damaged. Fortunately, the eyes have plenty of natural protective systems such as the glands, the eyelids, and the lacrimal system. All these help to keep the eye free from debris and microorganisms and keeps the eye moisturized. If any problem occurs within any of these structures, the eyes can suffer.

Tear Duct Blockage

• 
  One problem that the eye can experience comes from blockage of the tear duct.
  
  
  


• 
  This condition is also called dacryostenosis.
  
  


• 
  If infection is present, the condition is called acute dacrocystitis.
  
  


• 
  In infants, the condition is known as dacrocystocele.
  
  


• 
  The tear duct helps the eyes to drain the tears from the eyes as new tears are formed.
  
  


• 
  When the tear duct is blocked, a condition known as epiphora can occur also known as the overflow of tears.
  
  


• 
  Blocked tear ducts can occur congenitally or acquired during adulthood.
  
  


• 
  Congenitally blocked tear ducts can be treated or it can resolve without treatment with better outcomes the soonest it is discovered.
  
  
  


• 
  Tear ducts that are blocked during adulthood may or may not warrant treatment.
  
  


• 
  Treatment would depend on the extent of blockage, the complications present, and the overall health of the patient.
  
  

Tear Duct Blockage Symptoms

Patients who complain of the following symptoms may be experiencing blocked tear ducts.

• 
  Watery eyes
  
  


• 
  Tear duct infection
  
  


• 
  Swollen tear ducts
  
  


• 
  Tenderness over the tear duct area
  
  


• 
  Small bump felt over the tear duct area
  
  

Tear Duct Blockage Treatment

Treatment of blocked tear ducts depends on the following conditions such as:

• 
  The type of blockage
  
  


• 
  Presence of infection
  
  


• 
  Congenital or acquired blocked tear ducts
  
  


• 
  The age of the patient
  
  


• 
  The overall health of the patient
  
  

Treatments for blocked tear ducts may include:

• 
  Congenital blocked tear ducts usually resolve by the time the infant reaches one year old with or without treatment.
  
  


• 
  Surgery – a DCR operation helps restore tear duct draining by creating a channel from the tear sac and into the nose for drainage.
  
  


• 
  Stent – depending on the blockage, a stent or balloon may be used and placed inside the tear duct to help open it up or expand it for proper drainage.
  
  


• 
  Antibiotics – may be prescribed for cases of inflamed or infected tear ducts.