Normally, tears are drained through the tear ducts located at the inner corner of the eye. These drainage ducts open into the nasal cavity on the same side. It can be observed that in conditions where there is excessive tear production, such as when we cry, mucus also flows down the throat. In fact, this is tears being drained through the tear ducts into the nasal cavity.
In cases where some people suddenly have tears flowing continuously even though they are not crying, this is certainly an abnormal condition of the body. Today, we will look into the exact reasons behind this.
What is a blocked tear duct?
A blocked tear duct occurs when there is a narrowing or obstruction of the tear drainage duct. This can happen anywhere from the opening of the tear duct at the inner corner of the eye to the tear duct opening in the nasal cavity. This causes constant tearing or watery eyes. If severe, it may cause irritation and infection, leading to inflammation of the conjunctiva or the tear sac, which is considered a complication.
What symptoms indicate a “blocked tear duct”?
For infants
- Excessive tearing with watery eyes without crying
For adults
- Constant tearing or watery eyes
- Infection in the tear sac
- Pus or blood discharge from the inner corner of the eye caused by inflammation
Causes of “blocked tear duct”
The causes of blocked tear ducts in infants and adults are often different, as follows:
- Membrane blocking the tear duct opening
This is a common problem in infants, usually caused by the valve at the tear duct opening not opening properly due to a thin membrane blocking it. This causes tears to overflow into the eye and spill out around the infant’s eye.
In adults with blocked tear ducts, the cause is often unknown and can occur spontaneously. Other related causes include:
- Chronic sinusitis, history of nasal or sinus surgery, tumors in the nasal or sinus cavities
- History of trauma, fractures, or facial bone surgery near the inner corner of the eye adjacent to the nasal bridge, causing compression of the tear duct
“Blocked tear duct” can be treated…
There are several treatment methods, and of course, treatment for infants differs from that for adults. A specialist doctor will provide advice and plan the appropriate treatment.
For infants, treatments include:
- Massage of the tear duct, which generally results in 80-90% recovery
- Probing the tear duct, which is harmless to the eye as the doctor only treats the eyelid area
- Insertion of a silicone tube into the tear duct
Each treatment method must be at the discretion of a specialist doctor. If all treatments fail, surgery may ultimately be required.
For adults, treatment of blocked tear ducts is usually surgical, including:
- External dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
This is a traditional surgery that involves removing part of the bone and creating a direct connection between the tear sac and the nasal mucosa. There may be a scar near the side of the nose, and recovery time is longer, but the success rate is high.
- Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (Endoscopic DCR)
This is a popular current surgical method using a small endoscope inserted into the nasal cavity to create a new drainage connection. The advantages are no external scars, faster healing, and a success rate comparable to external surgery.
- Intubation treatment
This may be used to treat partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction by inserting a small silicone tube into the tear duct to expand the narrowed area or improve tear drainage without surgery to create a new connection. However, this method is suitable only for certain patients.
If you have suspicious symptoms related to your eyes, do not ignore them… you should promptly see a doctor for a thorough examination. If abnormalities are found, treatment can be started quickly.
The eye area is very delicate and requires special care. Whether for examination or treatment, it must be performed by an experienced ophthalmology specialist only.
