Blocked tear ducts can lead to watery and irritated eyes if tears fail to drain properly. Here’s what you should know about this condition:
Causes of Blocked Tear Ducts:
1. Congenital blockage: Up to 20% of infants are born with a blocked tear duct, which often resolves on its own.
2. Injury: Trauma to the face, such as a broken nose, can cause scar tissue formation that obstructs tear drainage.
3. Aging: Normal aging can lead to narrowing of the tear duct openings, making it harder for tears to drain.
4. Infections: Conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye) can cause inflammation that blocks the tear drainage system.
5. Medical treatments: Some eye drops used for glaucoma or certain cancer treatments can lead to blocked tear ducts.
Signs of Blocked Tear Ducts:
- Watery eyes and excessive tearing
- Redness, pain, and swelling near the corner of the eye
- Crusty buildup on the eyelids
- Discharge from the eye
- Blurred vision
- Recurrent eye infections due to tear buildup increasing infection risk
Treatment Options:
1. Massage: Gently massaging the lower corner of the eyes near the nose can help clear blockages, particularly in infants.
2. Antibiotics: If an infection is causing the blockage, antibiotics may be prescribed to address the underlying issue.
3. Probing or dilation: Specialized instruments can be used to widen the tear drainage system or flush out blockages.
4. Surgery: Inserting a small tube into the duct can create a pathway for tears to drain properly.
Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to determine the best course of action based on the underlying cause of the blocked tear duct.
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