Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
What is Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction?
The tear duct can be thought of as a small tunnel through which tears flow. Tears are constantly present, moisturizing and cleaning the eyes of germs and dust. When we blink, the eyelid sweeps over the eye, pushing tears and any particles of dust or germs from the eye into the tear duct, which then drains them into the nose. In some cases, a blockage in the tear ducts may occur, causing tears to accumulate in the eye, leading to irritation, excessive tearing, and sometimes recurrent infections.
Causes
- Congenital Tear Duct Blockage: This is the most common cause of tear duct narrowing or blockage. Many babies are born with narrow or completely blocked tear ducts. While most children improve within their first year, some may require surgery to open the narrow duct.
- Facial Abnormalities or Bone Formation Disorders: These can affect the structure of the tear duct.
- Age-Related Tear Duct Narrowing: The small openings that drain tears become narrower with age.
- Chronic Eye Inflammation: Persistent inflammation can block the duct.
- Nasal Polyps: Growths inside the nasal cavity may block the tear duct’s exit.
- Tumors, especially nasal tumors: These can obstruct tear drainage.
- Prolonged Use of Certain Eye Drops: Eye drops used to treat high eye pressure can lead to duct blockage.
- Side Effects of Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may cause tear duct blockages.
Symptoms:
- Excessive tearing
- Redness of the white part of the eye
- Frequent bacterial eye infections
- Painful swelling near the inner corner of the eye
- Crusty eyelids
- Mucous discharge from the eye
- Blurry or unclear vision
Treatment:
- Infection Treatment: If an infection is suspected, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics, which may be in the form of eye drops, eye ointment, or pills, depending on the severity.
- Monitoring with Massage: Congenital tear duct blockage often resolves on its own over time, and gentle massage may help open the narrowed duct. Surgery may be recommended if there is no improvement.
- Duct Widening: A thin tube is inserted into the duct, and it is expanded with a small tube. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia.
- Surgeries: In complex cases involving fractures or tumors, a permanent drainage tube or a new tear duct may need to be created through surgery.