Blocked Tear Duct

Blocked tear ducts can be a real nuisance, causing constant watering eyes, redness, and even infections. New York Eye and Face offers various treatment options to get your tear ducts flowing freely again, bringing relief and restoring comfort to your eyes.

Clearer Vision and Relief from Watering Eyes

A blocked tear duct, also known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction, is a condition that prevents tears from draining normally from the eye. This can lead to watery eyes, irritation, and even infection. At New York Eye and Face in Westchester, NY, Dr. Anaïs Carniciu offers effective treatments to clear blocked tear ducts and restore proper drainage.

Dr. Carniciu is extremely knowledgeable and professional. She takes the time to listen to your concerns and develop a flexible treatment plan.

S.S.

What is a Blocked Tear Duct?

Tears are essential for lubricating and protecting your eyes. They are produced by the lacrimal gland and drain through a small tube called the nasolacrimal duct into the nose. When this duct becomes blocked, tears can't drain properly, causing a backup and overflow onto the cheek.

Symptoms of a Blocked Tear Duct

Excessive tearing, especially when crying or windy
Crusting around the eyelashes
Redness or irritation of the eye
Blurred vision (in some cases)
Feeling of something stuck in the eye

Treatment for Blocked Tear Duct

Treatment for a blocked tear duct depends on the severity of the blockage and the underlying cause. Dr. Carniciu at New York Eye and Face offers various treatment options, including:

Eyedrops

Anti-inflammatory eye drops can help alleviate irritation and discomfort.

Tear Duct Intubation: Mini-Monoka Stent

A mini-Monoka stent is a treatment in which a silicone monocanalicular stent is used to clear tear duct obstructions. This procedure is performed in-office and involves the use of local anesthesia.

Surgery

In some cases, minimally invasive procedures might be enough to address a blocked tear duct. However, if these options fall short, a surgical solution can offer lasting relief. Blocked tear duct surgery (dacryocystorhinostomy or “DCR”) is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience. A new tear duct passage is created between the tear sac and the nose. The procedure itself is relatively quick, taking around 30 minutes, and most patients can return home the same day.

Why Choose New York Eye and Face for Blocked Tear Duct Treatment?

At New York Eye and Face, Dr. Carniciu understands the discomfort and frustration caused by a blocked tear duct. Dr. Carniciu is a highly skilled oculoplastic surgeon with extensive experience diagnosing and treating blocked tear ducts. She will perform a comprehensive examination to diagnose the cause of your blocked tear duct and recommend the most effective treatment option for you. New York Eye and Face offers minimally invasive procedures and is committed to providing compassionate care throughout your treatment journey.

Blocked Tear Duct FAQ

What is a blocked tear duct?

A blocked tear duct in your eye interferes with the natural method of drainage that carries tears away. The result is your eyes leak tears continually, which is irritating, blurs your vision, and could make your eyes sore.

The tear ducts drain the lubricating fluids that keep your eyes moist, as well as emotional tears. They are part of your lacrimal system, which produces your tears and then transports them through a pathway into your nose.

There are two tiny openings (puncta) in your inner eyelid. Your tears travel along a pipe system from the puncta into a small lacrimal sac and, from there, go down the lacrimal duct to empty into your nose.

If you have a blocked tear duct, it prevents the natural drainage system from working. As a result, tears run out onto your cheek instead of into your nasal passages.

What treatments are available for a blocked tear duct?

There are a variety of options to help treat blocked tear ducts. In the mildest cases, a course of eye drop medications may relieve your symptoms.

If the eye drops fail to remedy the problem, your surgeon can place a tear duct stent or perform surgery to correct the blockage. Surgery for a blocked tear duct is typically an outpatient procedure that takes place under general anesthesia, so you're asleep throughout the operation. The surgery takes about half an hour, and most patients can go home the same day.

What does surgery for a blocked tear duct involve?

Surgeries that can help with a blocked tear duct include:

Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy
A conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) or Jones tube procedure involves inserting tiny tubes to create a route through the conjunctival sac in your eye to the lacrimal sac in your nasal cavity.

Dacryocystorhinostomy
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a more common procedure in which your doctor creates a new drainage pathway into your nose. There are two ways of performing DCR. Internal DCR (endoscopic DCR or endo-DCR) leaves no visible scar as your surgeon performs the surgery through your nose using an endoscopic camera.

In certain cases, a more appropriate option is external DCR, where your doctor makes a small incision near the inner aspect of your lower eyelid.

What should I expect after surgery for a blocked tear duct?

You should expect to develop some bruising and swelling following surgery for a blocked tear duct and an occasional nosebleed. These after-effects should lessen within a week of your surgery.

Your surgeon may recommend that you stay at home to recover for the first week, after which you should be comfortable enough to return to work. During the recovery period, you should avoid any heavy exertion. You can use a nasal spray to reduce any discomfort.

If you have symptoms of blocked tear ducts, call New York Eye and Face Oculoplastic Surgery today or book an appointment online.