WATERING EYES
The lacrimal system is the delicate network that drains tears from the eye into the nose. When this pathway becomes narrowed, blocked, inflamed, or damaged, tears may accumulate in the eye, causing persistent watering, discharge, irritation, or recurrent infections.
Lacrimal disorders can affect people of all ages — from newborns with congenital tear duct blockage to adults with acquired obstruction, infection, trauma, or other less common conditions.
WHAT CAN GO WRONG
A blocked nasolacrimal duct prevents tears from draining normally into the nose. Patients typically experience persistent watering, sometimes with mucus or discharge, often more noticeable in cold weather, wind, or outdoors.
An infection or inflammation of the lacrimal sac, usually occurring because of an underlying tear drainage obstruction. It may cause pain, redness, swelling and tenderness near the inner corner of the eye, and sometimes needs prompt treatment.
The puncta are tiny openings at the inner margins of the eyelids through which tears enter the drainage system. Narrowing or blockage of these openings can interfere with drainage and cause troublesome watering.
The canaliculi are fine drainage channels within the eyelids. Obstruction or narrowing here can follow trauma, infection, previous eyelid surgery, scarring, certain treatments, or age-related changes, and needs careful assessment before treatment.
SURGERY
DCR is a surgical procedure used to treat a blocked nasolacrimal duct. When the normal tear drainage pathway is obstructed, tears can accumulate in the lacrimal sac, leading to watering, discharge, and recurrent infections. DCR creates a new drainage pathway between the lacrimal sac and the nose, allowing tears to bypass the blocked segment and drain normally.
When is DCR recommended? DCR may be considered for patients with:
DCR can be performed through an external approach or through the nose using an endoscopic approach. The choice depends on the individual anatomy, location of obstruction, previous surgery, and clinical findings. The goal is to restore comfortable tear drainage while treating the underlying obstruction.
IN INFANTS
Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common cause of excessive watering and sticky discharge in infants. It occurs when the tear drainage pathway has not opened completely at birth. Parents may notice:
Many cases improve naturally during infancy as the drainage pathway opens with growth. When symptoms persist, an ophthalmologist may recommend lacrimal massage and observation initially, followed by probing of the tear duct when appropriate. Early assessment is important to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish it from other causes of watering or discharge in children.
Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward restoring comfortable, natural tear drainage.
Book a consultation for accurate diagnosis and the right lacrimal treatment.