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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffCertain factors increase your risk of developing a blocked tear duct:
- Age and sex. Older women are at highest risk of developing blocked tear ducts due to age-related changes.
- Chronic eye inflammation. If your eyes are continually irritated, red and inflamed (conjunctivitis), you're at higher risk of developing a blocked tear duct.
- Previous surgery. Previous eye, eyelid, nasal or sinus surgery may have caused some scarring of the duct system, later resulting in a blocked tear duct.
- Glaucoma. Anti-glaucoma medications are often used topically on the eye. If you've used these or other topical eye medications, you're at higher risk of developing a blocked tear duct.
- Previous cancer treatment. If you've had radiation or chemotherapy to treat cancer, particularly if the radiation was focused on your face or head, you're at higher risk of developing a blocked tear duct.
References
- 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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