“How do you fix a blocked tear duct?”

It’s a simple office procedure called probe the tear duct and irrigation with saline to clear it out. Sometime the duct is scarred closed and surgery is required.

Many ophthalmologists can open the tear duct with a simple office procedure. Occasionally, a more extensive operating room surgery may be necessary

A blocked tear duct is repaired with a procedure called a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). This outpatient procedure can be performed endoscopically or through a tiny incision. In this procedure, a new opening is created between the tear sac and the nose bypassing the blocked duct. The success rate is over 90%. An oculoplastic surgeon would be able to help you with this surgery.

Often, if the duct has only recently been blocked, it can be due to thickened mucous or infection within the duct. Best early treatment is the use of a warm compress placed on the tear duct for 5-7 minutes at least four times a day. If that lower duct is swollen and painful the cause may be infection. In that case use a wide range antibiotic ordered from the pharmacy by your physician. Take it four times a day before the warm compress

If the duct Is just blocked, warm compresses are usually sufficient.

If painful, a visit to an ophthalmologist is highly recommended as surgery may be needed to prevent further more dire complications. The tear duct is central to many other parts of the eye that could be adversely affected by spreading infection. This is not just a minor annoyance as it could have serious consequences.

Roger Ohanesian MD

By syringing and by surgery