What is the medical term for a clogged tear duct?

Medical Term for Clogged Tear Duct

The medical term for a clogged tear duct is nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). 1, 2

Terminology and Classification

• Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is the standard medical terminology used to describe blockage of the tear drainage system 1, 2

• The condition can be further classified based on anatomical location 2:

  • Pre-saccal obstruction: Blockage in the lacrimal canaliculi (the small channels that drain tears from the eye)
  • Intra-saccal obstruction: Blockage within the lacrimal sac itself
  • Post-saccal obstruction: Blockage in the nasolacrimal duct proper (the channel from the sac to the nose)

• Alternative terminology includes dacryostenosis when referring to narrowing rather than complete obstruction 3

Types of Obstruction

• Primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction is the most common form in adults and represents idiopathic (unknown cause) blockage 1

• Functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction describes patients with tearing (epiphora) where the duct is partially or completely patent to irrigation but demonstrates delayed tear drainage on testing 4

• Mechanical obstruction refers to physical blockage of the drainage system 2

Clinical Presentation

• The hallmark symptom is epiphora (excessive tearing), which is the primary presenting complaint 2, 4

• Mucopurulent discharge may occur depending on the location of the stenosis 2

• Complications can include acute phlegmonous dacryocystitis (infection of the lacrimal sac) 2