Ency. home > Disease > B > Blocked tear duct

Blocked tear duct   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Dacryostenosis; Blocked nasolacrimal duct

Definition:

A partial or complete obstruction in the duct system that carries tears away from the surface of the eye to the nose.

Causes and Risks

Tears from the surface of the eye are normally drained into the nose by a convoluted tube called the nasolacrimal duct. If this duct is blocked, the tears will accumulate and overflow onto the cheek. In children the duct may not be completely developed at birth. This often resolves on its own. In adults the duct may be damaged by infection, injury, or tumor.

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