Blocked tear duct in adults: symptoms and treatment

What is a blocked tear duct?

A blocked tear duct occurs when the natural drainage pathway for tears is narrowed or obstructed. This leads to tears being unable to drain into the nose, causing them to pool on the eye and overflow onto the cheeks.

Causes of a tear duct blockage

• Aging: Gradual narrowing of the drainage system over time.
• Infection: Chronic inflammation or recurrent infections can lead to scarring and blockage.
• Injury: Trauma to the nose or eye area can damage the delicate drainage structures.
• Tumours: Very rarely, growths in the nasal or orbital area can cause obstruction.

When to worry about a blocked tear duct

While a blocked tear duct is often just a nuisance, it can lead to more serious problems if the pooled tears become infected.

Seek a consultation if you experience:

• Recurrent “pink eye” or discharge.
• A painful, red lump near the corner of your eye (dacryocystitis).
• Constant blurring of vision due to the tear film.
• Bloody discharge from the tear duct area.

Dr Faz is an expert in lacrimal surgery and can perform diagnostic tests to find the exact location of the blockage. She offers a range of treatments, from minimally invasive probing to DCR surgery to create a new drainage path.