Blocked tear duct

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Because your tears aren't draining the way they should, the tears that remain in the drainage system become stagnant, promoting growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. These organisms can lead to recurrent eye infections and inflammation. Any part of the tear drainage system, including the clear membrane over your eye surface (conjunctiva), can become infected or inflamed because of a blocked tear duct.

References
  1. Dacryostenosis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec09/ch100/ch100g.html#sec09-ch100-ch100d-200l. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
  2. Paysse EA, et al. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (dacryostenosis). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
  3. Casady DR, et al. Stepwise treatment paradigm for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2006;22:243.
  4. Mills DM, et al. Acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39:979.
  5. Kapadia MK, et al. Evaluation and management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39:959.
  6. Hurwitz JJ. The Lacrimal drainage system. In: Yanoff M, et al. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Inc.; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/215591989-11/0/1869/585.html?tocnode=56526590&fromURL=585.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04332-8..00244-4_5653. Accessed Aug. 20, 2010.
  7. Emaeli B, et al. Prospective study of incidence and severity of epiphora and canalicular stenosis in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving docetaxel. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2006;22:3619.
  8. Dantas RR. Lacrimal drainage system obstruction. Seminars in Ophthalmology. 2010;25:98.
  9. Weiss AH. Conjunctivitis beyond the neonatal period. In: Long SS, et al. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/215591989-9/1041841990/1679/89.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50088-6--cesec20_1773. Accessed Aug. 20, 2010.
  10. Becelli R, et al. Posttraumatic obstruction of lacrimal pathways: A retrospective analysis of 58 consecutive naso-orbitoethmoid fractures. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2004;15:29.
  11. Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 30, 2010.
DS01096 Oct. 16, 2010

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger