Blocked tear ducts prevent your tears from draining normally, which can leave you with a watery and irritated eye. The obstruction of the tear drainage system could be partial or complete. While this condition is common in newborns and gets better in the first year of life, a blocked tear duct in an adult may be caused by an infection, an injury, or a tumor. Good thing, it is almost always correctable, although the treatment varies depending on the patient’s age and the cause of the blockage.
In this post, Spectrum Eye Care — a local provider of quality eyeglasses and optical services — shares more information about blocked tear ducts.
Symptoms
If you have watery eyes and if your tears are streaming fom your eyes, these could likely be due to a blocked tear duct. Other symptoms that could indicate this condition include:
- blurred vision
- redness or irritation of the eye
- pain and swelling of the inside corner of the eye
- discharge or mucus coming from the eye
- crust forming on the eyelids
- eye infections
Many of these symptoms could also be due to other conditions such as colds, sinus infection, or exposure to wind or bright sunlight. That is why you should always go to an eye doctor for a proper assessment and treatment.
Causes
One of the leading causes of blocked tear ducts in adults is an infection of the eyes, tear duct system, or nasal passages. A trauma or injury could also result in a blocked tear duct. In some cases, the condition may also be due to a tumor located anywhere in or near the tear duct drainage system.
When to See a Doctor
If you have been tearing constantly for several days or if your eye is repeatedly or continually infected, make sure to see your doctor. Keep in mind that early identification of the condition and its cause is always crucial.
For quality eye care services, go to Spectrum Eye Care. With our expertise and experience in the field, we can guarantee the best care for your optical needs. Call us at (704) 543-9000 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.