Blocked tear duct

Alternative names:

blocked lacrimal duct; blocked nasolacrimal duct; dacryostenosis

Treatment:

Massage of the lacrimal sac area several times a day for 2 to 3 months may be enough to open the tear duct, as instructed by an ophthalmologist.

Probing and irrigating the nasolacrimal duct may be sufficient to relieve an obstruction caused by a membrane within the tear duct system. If the patient is very young, anesthesia may be required for this procedure.

If probing of the duct is not successful in relieving the obstruction, surgery may be indicated.

Expectations (prognosis):

Congenital tear duct blockage often clears spontaneously by 6 months of age. If it does not clear on its own, the outcome is still likely to be good with treatment.

Complications:

Tear duct blockage may increase the risk of eye infections.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms do not improve with treatment or new symptoms develop.