Blocked tear duct is a condition where the tear duct system is obstructed, preventing tears from draining out. This results in constant tearing or watery eyes. In severe cases, it can cause irritation or inflammation. This condition can occur in all ages, from newborns onward.
Symptoms indicating you are at risk of blocked tear duct
- Constant tearing
- Infection and inflammation
- Pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the inner corner of the eye; if untreated, it may spread to the eyelids or cornea
Causes of blocked tear duct
- Congenital membrane blocking the tear duct, causing tearing since childhood
- Intermittent watery eyes caused by eyelid system failing to squeeze tears properly
- Eye irritation or itching at the inner corner of the eye
- Infection in the tear duct area
- Trauma to the tear duct area
- Previous eye radiation treatment
- Frequent use of antibiotic eye drops for glaucoma treatment
- Having allergic diseases
- Presence of tumors in the tear duct area
Diagnosis of blocked tear duct
- Testing with dye by putting dye drops into the eye; after about 5-10 minutes, if the dye remains in the eye, it indicates possible tear duct blockage
- Using a small blunt needle to probe the tear duct openings at both the upper and lower eyelids to check for blockage
- Injecting contrast dye into the eye for X-Ray or CT Scan to detect abnormalities in the tear duct blockage
Treatment of blocked tear duct in children and adults
Treatment for children
- Using antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation
- If congenital blocked tear duct, massage the inner corner of the eye for treatment
- Probing the tear duct with a long blunt metal rod along the tear duct path
Treatment for adults
- Using laser to create a connection between the tear sac and the nose; treatment success may not be 100%
- Traditional surgery by external incision (External Dacryocystorhinostomy), with 80-90% resulting in no visible scars
- Endoscopic surgery (Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy) using a small camera inserted through the nasal cavity to create a new tear drainage pathway, avoiding permanent scars
- Treatment by inserting a small 1-millimeter silicone tube, using anesthetic drops to dilate the small duct through the nasal opening; the procedure takes about 15 minutes. The tube is left in place for 3 months. This treatment is suitable for the following groups:
- Those who have never had an infection
- Those who have never undergone surgery for blocked tear duct
- Children whose tear duct probing did not resolve the issue
- Those with contraindications to anesthesia or with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc.
- Those who cannot stop taking blood thinners
- Those undergoing eye procedures or with eye-related conditions can be evaluated for this treatment
The silicone tube treatment has a success rate of 60-70% according to research. It is a new treatment method that does not require surgery, is painless, has a quick recovery, is affordable, and cheaper than other surgical methods. However, there is a higher chance of recurrence compared to surgical treatment.
Dr. Fontip Na Pompet
Ophthalmologist specializing in orbital diseases
and oculoplastic reconstructive surgery
Eye Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
