Blocked tear duct

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

There's no known way to prevent a congenital blocked tear duct. To reduce your risk of developing a blocked tear duct later in life, be sure you get prompt treatment of eye inflammation or infections. Follow these tips to avoid eye infections in the first place:

  • Avoid contact with children and adults who have pink eye (conjunctivitis).
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
  • Try not to rub your eyes.
  • Replace your eyeliner and mascara regularly, and never share these cosmetics with others.
  • If you wear contact lenses, keep them clean according to recommendations provided by the manufacturer and your eye care specialist.
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

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