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For children with incomplete nasolacrimal duct development, massaging the lacrimal sac area several times a day, as instructed by an ophthalmologist, may be enough to open the tear duct. Persistent cases may require opening by a probing procedure. This may occasionally require anesthesia.

Adults with obstruction require treatment of the cause of the obstruction. This may re-open the duct if there is minimal damage. Often surgical reconstruction (dacryocystorhinostomy) will be need to re-establish normal tear drainage and stop the overflow onto the cheek.

Prognosis

Congenital tear duct blockage often clears spontaneously by 6 months of age. If it does not clear on its own, the outcome is still likely to be good with treatment.

Tear duct obstruction in adults has a variable outcome depending on the cause.

Complications

Tear duct blockage may increase the risk of eye infections.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Anyone with tear overflow onto the cheek requires examination, since one of the possible causes is tumor. Earlier treatment is more successful, and may be lifesaving.

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