Blocked tear duct

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Tear duct blockage

Dacryostenosis; Blocked nasolacrimal duct

For children with incomplete nasolacrimal duct development, massaging the lacrimal sac area several times a day, as instructed by an ophthalmologist, may be enough to open the tear duct. Persistent cases may require opening by a probing procedure. This may occasionally require anesthesia.

Adults require treatment of the cause of the blockage. This may re-open the duct if there is minimal damage. A surgery to reconstruct the passageway may be needed to re-establish normal tear drainage, and stop the overflow onto the cheek.

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

Tear duct obstruction in adults has a variable outcome depending on the cause.

Tear duct blockage may increase the risk of eye infections.

Anyone with tear overflow onto the cheek requires examination, since one of the possible causes is a tumor. Earlier treatment is more successful, and may be lifesaving.

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.