Blocked Tear Ducts: Symptoms, Causes and Solutions

When you have blocked tear ducts, this means tears can’t drain normally out of your eyes. While they are a common, albeit harmless, condition among infants, blocked tear ducts developing in adults may indicate an underlying problem. Lumen Optometric, the trusted scleral optometrist in the area, shares more of the essentials you need to know.

What Can Cause Blocked Tear Ducts?

There are many different reasons blocked tear ducts can occur. These may develop because of an age-related change, when the tiny openings (puncta) that allow tears to drain become narrower, which can cause a blockage. Other common reasons include infection of the eyes, tear duct system, or nasal passages. An injury or trauma can also result in blocked tear ducts. This can be as minor as foreign particles getting lodged in the eyes, or as serious as a blow to the head or a broken nose.  

What are the Symptoms of Blocked Tear Ducts?

Watery eyes and excess tears streaming from the eyes may be signs of a blocked tear duct. But these may be accompanied by:

• Redness and irritation of the affected eye
• Crust forming along the eyelids
• Excess mucus or discharge from the eyes
• Eye infections, like pink eye or conjunctivitis
• Pain and inflammation of the inside corner of the eye
• Blurred vision

You should note, however, that watery eyes due to cold or sinus infection may be unrelated to a blocked tear duct. The same goes for swelling or redness in the eyes, which may be a result of an injury that doesn’t affect the tear ducts. When you’re experiencing some or most of the symptoms mentioned above, you should go see Lumen Optometric, your trusted local eye doctor promptly. We don’t just specialize in dry eye treatment–we can also manage a number of other eye conditions.

How Do You Deal with Blocked Tear Ducts?

While a blocked tear duct can result in discomfort and swelling, it is almost always correctable. Its treatment will depend on its underlying cause. To accurately pinpoint the reason for your blocked tear ducts, we’ll perform a comprehensive eye examination and, depending on the results, recommend the effective and appropriate solution.

Whether you need to deal with blocked tear ducts or considering neurolens treatment, Lumen Optometric has got you covered. We’ll ensure a lifetime of clear and healthy vision with our specialized eye care services. We proudly serve Sierra Madre, CA and the rest of San Gabriel Valley. Call us today at (626) 921-0199 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.