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Blocked tear duct is a common problem in both children and adults. This causes a lot of discomfort and affects eye health. Timely diagnosis and treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction are important to avoid dangerous complications and keep your eyes healthy. This article will provide you with full information about the causes, symptoms, risks, and effective treatments of this disease.
Blocked tear duct (“nasolacrimal duct obstruction”) is when the lacrimal point where tears flow out is narrowed or obstructed. Accordingly, this is considered a common cause of tearing, accounting for about 70%. On the other hand, the lacrimal point is the last point of the tear system, where tears are drained and enter the nose. When the lacrimal spot is narrowed or blocked, tears cannot escape, leading to misalignment, dry eyes, or irritation of the eyes.
Blocked tear duct can occur in one or both eyes. This condition can begin at birth or in later stages of development. Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is usually detected during infancy and as early as possible in the first few days after birth. In contrast, this condition due to damage usually occurs due to trauma, inflammation, or the use of eye drops.
The blocked tear duct is a common eye pathology. It has the potential to affect the ability to tear and cause unpleasant feelings. Some noted symptoms are itchy eyes, sore eyes, watery eyes, or dry eyes. The cause of lacrimal stenosis depends on each case. However, it is mostly caused by inflammation or lesions at the lacrimal points.
Common causes
Congenital blocked tear duct in babies. Some babies will have lacrimal stenosis from birth due to abnormal development of this area during fetal development. This usually occurs in premature babies or those with eye and nervous system development conditions.
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to infection. In this case, inflammation is the leading cause. Bacterial or viral infection at the lacrimal point can lead to inflammation and blockage of the lacrimal canals. Failure to treat properly will worsen the disease, cause severe damage and easily recur.
Traumatic or surgical damage. Eye damage or surgery on the eye area can cause tear circulation problems and cause narrowing of the lacrimal spot. Head injuries can also cause damage to the lacrimal points and lead to the obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.
Blocked tear duct due to age. Problems related to ageing can also cause this problem. As you age, environmental factors and frequent eye pressure can cause the lacrimal spots to become damaged and lead to the narrowing of the lacrimal spots.
Other possible causes
Other conditions. Other conditions such as Sjogren’s disease, polyarthritis, asthma, or cancer can also cause this condition.
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to long-term use of preservative eye drops affects the lacrimal point.
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to an improperly performed lacrimal pumping process leads to scratching, damage, inflammation and clogging of the lacrimal point.
Therefore, determining the exact cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction is important for experts to offer the best treatment and prevention.
Risks and complications of blocked tear duct
A blocked tear duct is dangerous and can cause many complications if not detected and treated in time. The risks and complications of nasolacrimal duct obstruction depend on its extent and duration.
What complications does a blocked tear duct cause?
The main risk of a blocked tear duct is obstruction of the circulation of eye fluid. This condition leads to a buildup of eye fluid, which increases the pressure in the hole, causing the lacrimal spot to become edematous, red, and painful. If not treated promptly, the lacrimal spot will be damaged, leading to inflammation, conjunctivitis, and even vision loss.
Complications of nasolacrimal duct obstruction depend on its extent and duration. Common complications are conjunctivitis, inflammation of the lining of the eye, inflammation of the conjunctival mucosa, retinitis, purulent swelling in the perforation and purulent swelling of the eyes. Therefore, as soon as it is detected, you must promptly visit an ophthalmologist for examination and treatment.
Symptoms of blocked tear duct
An unpleasant eye feeling is one of the most common symptoms of a blocked tear duct. It can be described as a burning sensation, like being deposited with hard sand on the eye, or as if the eye is experiencing intense soreness. Besides, patients may also feel discomfort when wearing contact lenses or using the computer for a long time.
Symptoms of blocked tear duct
Another symptom of this disease is the presence of blood vessels under the skin in and around the eye area due to tumour growth. If not treated promptly, you will face a range of eye health problems, including inflammation and vision-related problems.
In addition, other symptoms such as itching, pain and watery eyes are also frequent. Depending on the cause, this symptom may occur in one or both eyes. In general, blocked tear duct symptoms are bothersome and significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
Diagnosis and treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Diagnosis of blocked tear duct
Eye exam: Your eye doctor will examine your eyes with a machine and with the naked eye to accurately determine the location and degree of narrowing of the lacrimal spot.
Use tear colour: The doctor uses tear colour to determine the location of the lacrimal point and the degree of its narrowness.
Myopia: Your doctor may use a myopia scanner to take pictures of eye parts and determine the location and degree of narrowing of the lacrimal spot.
Treatment of blocked tear duct
Treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction
For mild cases
In mild cases, people with blocked tear duct may be able to minimize symptoms by:
Use eyedrops: Eyedrops can reduce inflammation and dilate blood vessels, improving tear flow and reducing pressure on the lacrimal point.
Eye massage: Eye massage exercises can help relax muscles and enhance tear flow, helping to improve nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Eye exercise: Eye exercise can help improve the circulation of tears and reduce pressure on the lacrimal point.
For serious cases
In severe or exceptional cases, doctors may decide to conduct surgery to repair blocked tear duct. There are three main methods applied: lacrimal angioplasty, lacrimal blepharoplasty, and post-lacrimal silicone tube placement.
Lacrimal angioplasty: This method is usually used for mild and non-severe cases. The process of lacrimal angioplasty is performed by inserting a lacrimal plant into the lacrimal path and calcining it with laser light or heat.
Lacrimal blepharoplasty: This method is often used for more severe cases. This process involves removing the narrow lacrimal point or reshaping the lacrimal point surgically.
Post-lacrimal silicone tube placement: This method is usually used for severe cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction and tumours. The process involves placing a silicone tube through the narrow orifice to keep it open and allow fluid to flow out of the eye. This method is also used after lacrimal blepharoplasty to keep the lacrimal point from expanding and fluid flowing out of the eye.
Simultaneously, the choice of appropriate treatment depends on the extent and cause of the blocked tear duct, as well as the doctor’s evaluation. Accordingly, diagnosis and treatment of it need to be done early to avoid possible serious complications. Therefore, as soon as realizing the symptoms associated with a nasolacrimal duct obstruction, you should seek medical attention and treatment in time.
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