Blocked Tear Ducts Directory

A blocked tear duct is the obstruction or closure of one or both the small tubes that run from the eye to the nose and allow tears to drain from the eyes. The condition is most common in newborns: The thin tissue at the end of the tear duct doesn't open normally. In adults, a blocked tear duct is usually the result of an injury, nasal or sinus problems, or thickening of the tear duct lining. Symptoms include excessive tearing, and if there's an infection, redness and swelling around the eye or nose, and mucus in the corners of the eyes. Treatment may include antibiotics. If a baby's tear duct remains blocked for more than 6 months, a probing procedure may be done to open the duct. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about Blocked Tear Ducts, how they are diagnosed, treated, and much more.