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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou'll probably first visit your primary care physician for a blocked tear duct. However, you may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the eye (ophthalmologist). In some instances, your general ophthalmologist may refer you to an ophthalmologist who specializes in ophthalmic plastic surgery.
Because appointments can be brief, and there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to arrive prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help make the most of your appointment. For a blocked tear duct, some basic questions to ask include:
- What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
- Are there other possible causes for my symptoms?
- What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
- Is this condition temporary or long lasting?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- What types of side effects can I expect from treatment?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
- Is this condition related to another medical disorder?
- If I don't have anything done to correct this problem, what are the risks to my vision?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
At your appointment, your doctor will gather a history of your eye symptoms and ask questions related to the causes of blocked tear ducts, as well as other conditions that can cause watery, irritated eyes. When you go to see your doctor, he or she may ask about:
- Your symptoms, how long they've lasted and if anything relieves them
- Any previous eye or eyelid surgery
- Any previous facial trauma, injuries or surgery
- Any facial nerve conditions, such as Bell's palsy
- Any previous radiation treatment
- Any medical problems, such as diabetes or long-standing skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis
- Any present or past contact lens use
Be prepared for an eye exam and a few tests to see how your tears are draining. Your doctor will also examine the inside of your nose to determine if any structural disorders of your nasal passages are causing an obstruction. If a blocked tear duct is suspected, other tests may be performed to find the location of the blockage in order to choose the best treatment.
- 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.
- Paysse EA, et al. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (dacryostenosis). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
- Casady DR, et al. Stepwise treatment paradigm for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2006;22:243.
- Mills DM, et al. Acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39:979.
- Kapadia MK, et al. Evaluation and management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39:959.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dantas RR. Lacrimal drainage system obstruction. Seminars in Ophthalmology. 2010;25:98.
- 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.
- 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.
- Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 30, 2010.
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