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Tear duct blockage

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Blocked tear duct

Alternative Names: Dacryostenosis; Blocked nasolacrimal 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. Text Continues Below Adults require treatment of the cause of the obstruction. This may re-open the duct if there is minimal damage. Often surgical reconstruction (dacryocystorhinostomy) will be needed to re-establish normal tear drainage and stop the overflow onto the cheek. Expectations (prognosis): Congenital tear duct blockage often clears spontaneously 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.

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