Blocked tear duct

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Tear duct blockage

A blocked treat duct describes a partial or complete blockage in the tear duct system. This duct system carries tears away from the surface of the eye, into the nose.

Dacryostenosis; Blocked nasolacrimal duct

Tears from the surface of the eye are normally drained into the nose by a convoluted tube called the nasolacrimal duct. If this duct is blocked, the tears will accumulate and overflow onto the cheek, even when a person isn't crying.

In children, the duct may not be completely developed at birth. This problem often disappears on its own. In adults, the duct can be damaged by infection, injury or tumor.

Review Date: 08/08/2006
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.