Blocked Tear Ducts - What Happens
Tear ducts can be fully or partially blocked. The blockage causes tears to back up inside the tear duct system and may cause the tears to overflow onto the face (epiphora). The blockage may also allow infection to develop in the tear ducts as bacteria and other substances collect in the eye.
Most blocked tear ducts are present at birth (congenital) and resolve on their own before a baby is 1 year old.1 A few babies may need probing to open the ducts. Probing done around age 1 usually works well, and most babies don't need it done again.2
Nearly half of the estimated 2.5 million eye injuries reported each year happen in and around the home, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma. More than 40% of those eye injuries happen during everyday activities such as cooking. Here's how to protect your eyes while you're working in the kitchen: Keep safety glasses handy. Most of us think of safety glasses for operating potentially dangerous power equipment. But protective eyewear has...
Read the Eye Injuries in the Kitchen article > >
A blocked tear duct by itself usually does not permanently affect a baby's vision or increase the likelihood of having other eye problems.
Infections may develop many times in the affected eye. In rare cases, infection may spread to the eyelids and skin around the eye (periorbital cellulitis). Sometimes a pus-filled sac (dacryocystitis) also forms.
In adults, blocked tear ducts may be caused by infection, structural problems related to injury or surgery, or abnormal growths within the drainage system. Treatment for a blocked tear duct depends on the cause.
- Infections usually clear up with antibiotics.
- If structural changes or abnormal growths are causing the tear duct blockage, surgery may be needed to correct the problem.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Blocked Tear Ducts Topics
On Eye Health
Today in Eye Health
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.