Blocked tear duct

Alternative names:

blocked lacrimal duct; blocked nasolacrimal duct; dacryostenosis

Definition:

A partial or complete obstruction in the duct system that carries tears away from the eye.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The tears normally move across the eye from the outer corner toward the nose where they drain into the tear duct system through an opening called the lacrimal punctum. The tears eventually drain into the nose through the nasolacrimal duct. In infants, there may be a partial or complete blockage in the tear duct system, which may be evidenced by continual overflow of tears from the eye. Frequently this condition resolves on its own or with massage of the lacrimal duct. In adults, the tear duct system may become obstructed from chronic nasal infection or severe or chronic conjunctivitis. Trauma to the face or orbit may also result in tear duct blockage.