Adult Tear Duct Obstruction: Origins, Signs, and Remedies

Adult Tear Duct Obstruction: Origins, Signs, and Remedies

A blocked tear duct, a common issue among adults, can cause discomfort and affect vision. This article aims to shed light on the causes, symptoms, and treatments associated with this condition.

As people age, the efficiency of the tear drainage system may decrease, increasing the risk of blockage. Other common causes include infections, trauma or injury, chronic sinusitis or nasal conditions, surgical history, and other factors such as certain eye medications, masses near the tear duct, or a narrow/misplaced tear drainage opening (punctum).

Infections, whether bacterial or viral, or inflammatory conditions like chronic conjunctivitis can cause swelling and obstruction in the tear ducts. Physical injuries to the face or eye area, such as fractures or surgeries, can damage or put pressure on the tear ducts, leading to blockage. Chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, tumors, or structural abnormalities in the nose or sinus can contribute to tear duct blockage. Previous nasal or sinus surgery may also contribute to nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

If the cause of a blocked tear duct is a tumor, a doctor will recommend removing or shrinking the tumor through surgery or other treatments. In mild cases, the basic treatment methods include cleaning of the eyelid, warm compresses, and prescription creams to reduce swelling.

In more severe cases, doctors may perform a surgical procedure called dacryocystorhinostomy to create a new passage between the lacrimal sac and the nose. Alternatively, surgeons may opt to build a new tear drainage system using a procedure called conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.

Symptoms of a blocked tear duct may include tears overflowing onto the cheek, watery eyes, irritated eyes, mucus discharge from the eye, dried discharge forming a crust on the eye, frequent eye infections, blurry vision, swelling on one side of the nose, near the eyes, bloody tears, fever, and in some cases, fever.

Adults experiencing these symptoms should consider seeing a doctor if watery eyes interfere with everyday activities, the eye or eyes seem to be watery all of the time, they have frequent eye infections, the eye or eyes are consistently leaking or irritated, they notice traces of blood in their tears, they have a fever.

Smoking increases the risk of blocked tear ducts. People who regularly swim in chlorinated water may also be more likely to develop problems with their tear drainage systems. Frequent sinus infections, nasal allergies, craniofacial abnormalities, and people with Down syndrome and those with narrow, bony nasal canals or a deviated septum may be more susceptible to blockages in the tear drainage system.

A blockage in the tear duct prevents tears from making their way out of the eyes and either evaporating or getting reabsorbed. This can lead to significant discomfort, impaired vision, and an increased risk of infection.

In the case of a blocked tear duct, prompt medical attention can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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