Some people suffer from excessive tear production, which may be the result of a blocked or narrowed tear duct. This can occur in adults or in children from birth.
Blocked tear ducts in children are caused by a blockage in the drainage of tears in one or both eyes. Symptoms include constant tearing, which can be a cause for concern for parents.
In adults, blocked tear ducts can be caused by excessive use of eye drops without consulting a specialist, severe allergies, or other environmental causes.
Treatment of blocked tear ducts in children is divided into three stages:
The first stage involves massaging the tear duct and lacrimal sac. The specialist explains the procedure and monitors the child.
The second stage involves clearing the tear duct using specific instruments. This is performed in the operating room if the first stage is unsuccessful.
The third stage, if the first and second stages are unsuccessful, involves reconstructing the tear duct with the placement of a silicone stent. This also occurs after a doctor's evaluation. For children:
Treatment of blocked tear ducts in adults depends on the degree of blockage. The evaluation is performed by a specialist physician and is divided into:
Blockage of the beginning of the tear duct only. Treatment involves dilating and clearing the tear duct, with the insertion of a silicone stent to ensure the blockage does not recur except in rare cases.
Blockage of the lacrimal sac with pus. This occurs as a result of prolonged blockage, along with inflammation or adhesions to the tear duct and lacrimal sac. In this case, an alternative tear duct is created and silicone stents are inserted. The stents are removed after a period ranging from six months to a year.
