Chronic Tearing? It Could Be a Blocked Tear Duct
Have you ever been asked, “Why are you crying?” when you’re not sad at all? For many, a constantly watery, tearing eye isn’t a sign of emotion, but a frustrating medical condition. If you find yourself frequently dabbing your eyes, dealing with blurred vision, or facing recurring eye infections, you might be suffering from a blocked tear duct.
Our eyes have their own built-in drainage system. Tiny openings in the inner corners of our eyelids (puncta) lead to small canals and a narrow duct (the nasolacrimal duct) that drains tears into the nose. This is why your nose runs when you cry. When this duct is obstructed, tears have nowhere to go, leading to chronic epiphora—the medical term for excessive tearing.
Symptoms Beyond Just Watery Eyes:
- Persistent tearing, often worse in wind or cold.
- Mucous discharge or crusting around the eye.
- Recurrent red, painful swellings near the inner corner (dacryocystitis).
- Blurred vision.
- Eye irritation and a feeling of constant wetness.
Blockages can occur due to age-related narrowing, chronic eye infections, trauma, or even congenital issues in infants.
What is DCR Surgery? The Permanent Solution.
When less invasive measures like massage or antibiotics don’t help, Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery is the gold-standard treatment. The goal is simple: bypass the blocked natural duct and create a new, direct drainage pathway for tears from the eye into the nose.
There are two main approaches:
- External DCR: A small, discreet incision is made on the side of the nose. The surgeon creates a new opening between the tear sac and the nasal cavity. It has a very high success rate.
- Endoscopic DCR: A minimally invasive technique where the surgeon works through the nostril using a tiny camera (endoscope). There is no external scar, less swelling, and a faster recovery time.
The choice of procedure depends on the individual’s anatomy, the cause of blockage, and the surgeon’s expertise. Modern DCR surgery is highly effective, with success rates exceeding 90%, offering patients lasting relief from years of discomfort.
About Dr. Akash Yadav – Best Oculoplastic Surgeon in Pune
When considering delicate eye-area surgery like DCR, choosing a highly trained specialist is paramount. Dr. Akash Yadav is widely recognized as one of the leading oculoplastic surgeon in Pune. With specialized fellowship training in diseases and surgeries of the tear ducts, eyelids, and eye socket.
Visit : Dr. Akash Yadav – Oculoplastic, Cataract & Aesthetic Eye Surgeon in Pune
Address : ASG Eye Hospital, OPD No. 1, 2 & 3, Plot, 557/1, Bhambudra Cello, platina building, FC Road, Near Bank of Maharashtra, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411005
Contact Number : +919821136014
FAQs
1. How do you know if your tear duct is blocked?
You’ll likely experience constant, unexplained watery eyes in one or both eyes, often with sticky discharge, recurrent eye infections, and sometimes a painful lump near the inner corner of your eye.
2. Can a blocked tear duct fix itself?
In infants, it often does. In adults, a blockage rarely resolves on its own and typically requires medical intervention, ranging from probing to surgery for permanent relief.
3. What is the main cause of a blocked tear duct?
The most common cause in adults is age-related narrowing and chronic inflammation. Other causes include infections, facial injuries, nasal polyps, tumors, or previous chemotherapy/radiation.
4. Is DCR surgery serious?
DCR is a safe and routine procedure performed by oculoplastic surgeons. While all surgeries carry some risk, DCR is highly successful with minimal complications when performed by an experienced specialist.
5. Is DCR surgery painful?
The surgery itself is performed under anesthesia so you feel no pain. Post-operatively, there may be mild discomfort, nasal stuffiness, or bruising, which is easily managed with medications.
