From the Guidelines
The term for a clogged lacrimal (tear) duct is dacryostenosis or nasolacrimal duct obstruction, as mentioned in the context of chronic dacryocystitis 1. This condition occurs when the tear drainage system becomes blocked, preventing tears from properly draining from the eye into the nasal cavity.
- Dacryostenosis can affect people of all ages, though it's particularly common in infants and older adults.
- Symptoms typically include excessive tearing (epiphora), eye irritation, and sometimes recurrent eye infections. In the context of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, many patients have concomitant chronic dacryocystitis, which may need to be addressed surgically 1. The blockage occurs because the tear drainage system, which consists of small canals that carry tears from the eye surface to the nose, becomes narrowed or obstructed by debris, inflammation, or structural abnormalities.
- Treatment may include antibiotic eye drops if infection is present, followed by procedures such as probing and irrigation of the duct, balloon dacryoplasty, or dacryocystorhinostomy surgery for severe blockages.
From the Research
Lacrimal Duct Obstruction
The term for a clogged lacrimal (tear) duct is referred to as nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This condition can be congenital or acquired, and may result in persistent epiphora and mucopurulent discharge 2.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction include tearing eye (epiphora) and mucopurulent lacrimal discharge, which can cause alterations of the optical system and lead to severe complications such as acute phlegmonous dacryocystitis 3. Diagnosis is based on patient's history, ocular surface conditions, inspection, and palpation of the lacrimal region, as well as functional and anatomical tests.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for nasolacrimal duct obstruction include minimally invasive transcanalicular procedures or anastomosing surgeries 3. Additionally, Crigler's lacrimal sac compression has been found to be an effective conservative strategy in the management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, with a high resolution rate even beyond nine months of age 4.
Key Findings
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction can be congenital or acquired 2
- Symptoms include epiphora and mucopurulent discharge 3
- Treatment options include surgical procedures and Crigler's lacrimal sac compression 3, 4
- The resolution rate of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction using Crigler's lacrimal sac compression is high, even beyond nine months of age 4
- Some cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction may resolve spontaneously, with a study finding that 58 out of 65 blocked ducts opened spontaneously 5