Can an optometrist treat a blocked tear duct?

Your optometrist can perform a procedure to remove the blockage by flushing the tear duct with fluid. Dilating the duct with a balloon can also clear an obstruction. During a balloon catheter procedure, your eye doctor puts a tiny, uninflated balloon in the duct, then inflates it, which removes the blockage.

What type of doctor treats blocked tear ducts?

You may start by seeing your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the eye (ophthalmologist). In some instances, your eye doctor may refer you to someone who specializes in ophthalmic plastic surgery for the eye.

Do I need to see a doctor for a blocked tear duct?

Blocked tear ducts are often treatable and temporary, but if the condition lingers, you should see a doctor.

What is the best treatment for a blocked tear duct?

Your health care provider might first recommend less invasive treatments. These may include warm compresses, massage, and antibiotics for an infection. Or the provider might advise having a procedure to try to dilate the nasolacrimal duct. If your symptoms are severe, however, you may need a DCR.

How do you unclog a blocked tear duct in adults?

Place a clean index finger between the inner corner of the eye and the side of the nose. Gently slide the index finger downwards while massaging the side of the nose. You can repeat it around 10 times in the morning and 10 times at night. You may also use warm compresses to relieve itching and irritation.

The role your optometrist plays in treating a blocked tear duct

Will a blocked tear duct fix itself in adults?

In adults, the cause of the blockage must be treated. This may re-open the duct if there is not too much damage. Surgery using tiny tubes or stents to open the passageway may be needed to restore normal tear drainage.

What happens if a blocked tear duct goes untreated?

Untreated blocked tear ducts could result in cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that can spread around the body and cause painful lumps underneath the skin. Blocked tear ducts stop tears from draining properly, making them accumulate in your eyes and causing irritation and infection.

How long does it take for a clogged tear duct to go away?

A blocked tear duct usually gets better by itself, when the membrane inside the tear duct opens up. This usually happens by the time your baby turns one year old.

When should I be worried about a clogged tear duct?

See your doctor if you tear constantly for several days or if your eye is repeatedly or continually infected. A blocked tear duct may be caused by a tumor pressing on the tear drainage system. Early identification of the tumor can give you more treatment options.

How long do tear ducts stay clogged?

Many babies are born with a tear-duct blockage. Blocked tear ducts in babies usually clear up with little or no treatment by the time a child is 1 year old.

Does warm compress help blocked tear duct?

A warm compress can help decrease pain. It can also make it easier to unblock the tear duct. Use a small towel or gauze dipped in warm water. Leave the compress in place for 5 minutes.

How do I know if my blocked tear duct is infected?

Typical symptoms of acute tear duct infection include: Pain, redness and swelling of the lower eyelid at the inner corner of the eye. Excessive tearing. Pus or discharge from the eye.

Why do tear ducts get blocked in adults?

Harmless debris or small particles get stuck in the duct. A broken nose or other injury leaves scar tissue that presses on the tear duct. Small, rounded growths called polyps form in the nose and block the duct. An infection in the eye or nose causes swelling around the tear duct.

Will antibiotic eye drops help blocked tear duct?

In such cases, ophthalmic antibiotic eye drops or ointment can be applied to clear the discharge. However the parents should be advised that the antibiotic will not open the blockage and that the symptoms (tearing and mucous) will usually return to its normal baseline once the medication is stopped.

Can antibiotics clear a blocked tear duct?

Acute tear duct infections usually will go away quickly with antibiotic therapy.

Can a blocked tear duct cause vision problems?

Significant discomfort, impaired vision, and an increased risk of infection can all result from a blocked tear duct. Adults experiencing the symptoms of a blocked tear duct should consider seeing a doctor if: watery eyes are interfering with everyday activities.

How do you massage a tear duct to unblock it?

Place the tip of your index finger against the side of the child's nose, next to the affected eye (Picture 2). Press firmly and move your index finger in short downward strokes 3 to 5 times. Repeat these steps 3 times a day: morning, noon and night.

Can a blocked tear duct cause permanent damage?

In most cases, blocked tear ducts resolve without medical intervention and do not cause any permanent eye problems. In some cases, however, a blocked tear duct will need medical treatment and may indicate a more serious problem, such as a tumor.

Are tear ducts connected to sinuses?

Excess tears flow through the nasolacrimal duct which drains into the inferior nasal meatus. This is the reason the nose starts to run when a person is crying or has watery eyes from an allergy, and why one can sometimes taste eye drops.

What is the home remedy for swollen tear ducts?

A swollen tear duct can usually be managed with self-care measures such as warm compresses and massage. Sometimes, however, a swollen tear duct may require antibiotics or surgery in order to heal.

Can nasal polyps blocked tear ducts?

In adults, a nasolacrimal duct obstruction may be caused by chronic nose infections, nasal polyps, tumors, or a nose injury.

What is the difference between tear glands and tear ducts?

The tear glands (lacrimal glands), located above each eyeball, continuously supply tear fluid that's wiped across the surface of your eye each time you blink your eyes. Excess fluid drains through the tear ducts into the nose.

Can a blocked tear duct cause high eye pressure?

If the fluid drains too slowly or the channel is blocked, eye pressure can increase as a result of fluid build-up. This intraocular pressure can then damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss.

What causes tear duct to be blocked in adults?

Chronic infection or inflammation of your eyes, tear drainage system or nose can cause your tear ducts to become blocked. Injury or trauma. An injury to your face can cause bone damage or scarring near the drainage system, disrupting the normal flow of tears through the ducts.

How long does it take for a clogged tear duct to go away?

A blocked tear duct usually gets better by itself, when the membrane inside the tear duct opens up. This usually happens by the time your baby turns one year old.