Lacrimal (Tear Duct) Disorders

Keeping the eyes moist and healthy requires tears. Tears are produced in the lacrimal (tear) gland which is located under the outer upper eyelid. The tears then flow across the eye and drain into the small openings (puncta) on the inner aspects of the upper and lower eyelids. From there, the tears drain into the lacrimal (tear) sac (located on the side of the nose next to the eye), through the nasolacrimal (tear) duct, into the nose, and down the back of the throat.

A blockage of the tear duct can lead to excessive tearing, blurred vision, eyelid mattering, discharge, and recurrent eye infections. The condition may be present at birth or may be acquired as an adult. In infants, a probe can be passed through the eyelid and into the tear duct in order to open it. In adults, a surgery known as a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) may be required to create a new opening for which the tears to drain, bypassing the blocked tear duct.

Patients with blocked tear duct with severe infection.

Same patients after tear duct surgery and treatment with antibiotics.

Back to Patient Education