Overview, Signs and Symptoms of an Obstruction
- The lacrimal gland produces tears which enter into the “duct”
that drain the tears from the eye into the nose. The most common symptoms are If one has a plugged up “tear duct,” not only will tears spill over the eyelids and
run down the face, but the stagnant tears within the system can become infected.- excess tearing (tears could run down the face) and
- mucous discharge
- This could lead to recurrent red eyes and infections.
- The excessive tearing can also produce secondary skin changes on the lower eyelids.
- Congenital congenital
Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (NLDO) is very common in infants.
- Children are often born with an obstruction within the “tear duct.” In fact, 6% of all children are born before their tear ducts are open.
- The stagnant tears within the “tear duct” often become infected causing pus (heavy matter) to collect between the eyelids.
- Antibiotics could help some of the symptoms, BUT this is not cure for the blockage
- Such obstructions could resolve spontaneously within the initially few months of life. In fact, 95% of these children will show resolution before their initially birthday. If it does not resolve surgery could be necessary.
Blockage presents in one of four ways:
- simple obstruction
- congenital fistula
- acute dacryocystitis
- congenital dacryocele or mucocele
Medical Treatment of Congenital Obstructions
- Many of these do open on their own given time.
- Massaging from the tear sac in the could help create a pressure wave that can open the blockage.