Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is when a blockage in the normal flow of a tear duct leads to excessive tearing or crying. This might either be a birth defect or an acquired condition. In adults, the blockage can be confirmed by attempting to pass a little saline solution through the nasolacrimal duct, using a small syringe. Fluorescein dye can also be used to test whether the duct is free.
To reduce your risk of developing a blocked tear duct later in life, get prompt treatment of eye inflammation or infections.
Symptoms

Flow of tears

common

Recurrent eye infection or inflammation

common

Red eye

  • Both eyes, In one eye

common

Bump near the inside corner of the eye

  • Painful, With redness

Eye excretes thick fluid

Swelling or lump in eyelid

  • In one eyelid

  • Warm in the eyelid

  • Lower eyelid

  • With redness

  • Both sides, Both eyes, One side, One eye

Nosebleed

Blurred vision

Risk factors

Recent eye or eyelid injury or trauma

Previous eye or upper nose surgery

Use of ophthalmic medication

Chemotherapy

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Treatment
Depending on the cause of the obstruction, antibiotics may be given. As a last resort, a minor surgical procedure known as a dacryocystorhinostomy can be carried to restore the normal flow of tears.
Recommended specialist

If you have Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction, then a visit to an ophthalmologist is highly recommended.

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