What Are the Treatments for Blocked Tear Ducts in Adults?

While a blocked tear duct is much more common in newborn children, it can occur in adults. Some of the causes for this condition include eye changes because of aging, eye infections, facial injuries, tumors, cysts, stones, long-term topical medication use or the use of other medications. Most of the time the tear duct can be opened, but the treatment depends on the cause of the condition.

Massaging the Affected Area

• A doctor will normally recommend a patient try massaging the affected eye for several months, a few times a day. The proper way to massage the tear duct is to place the index finger along the side of the nose and firmly massage down toward the corner of the nose. A warm compress applied to the eye can help any discomfort while promoting drainage. If this method is not successful, a doctor might have to use another form of medical treatment to open the blockage.

Irrigation and Dilation

• Adults with partially narrowed puncta, the skin flap at the bottom of the eye socket, might need to have a doctor irrigate and dilate the affected tear duct. While the doctor irrigates the tear duct, the puncta is dilated. General anesthesia is administered. When this procedure is ineffective, the doctor might need to make a small incision at the punctual opening.

Intubation

• For prolonged tear duct blockage, a silicone tube can be inserted near the affected area. Doctors will first administer anesthesia, and then insert silicone tubes into the tear ducts to stretch them. The tubes remain in place for up to six months before being removed by a doctor. The prolonged use of the tube could cause eye inflammation.

Balloon Catheter Dilation

• Adults with narrowed passageways because of scarring or inflammation might find successful treatment through balloon catheter dilation. First, a doctor inserts a balloon through the lower nasolacrimal duct in the nose. It is then inflated and deflated several times, and possibly in a few locations along the duct. After the last deflation, the balloon is removed. Anesthesia is used for this procedure.

Antibiotic Medication

• Chronic eye infections can result in tear duct blockage. To treat the infection, a doctor might prescribe antibiotic medication. The blockage should clear as a result.

Reconstructive Surgery

• When no other treatment has been effective, surgery might be required to reconstruct the passageway and allow tears to drain. First, anesthesia is given. Then, a surgeon makes a cut on the skin over the tear sac. Next, a small hole in the bone between the tear sac and nose is made. The tear sac is then connected to the inside of the nose to create a new drainage passageway. Stents or intubation tubes are placed in the new route for three to six months post-surgery to ensure healing. Post-surgery, nasal decongestant spray and topical eye drops are used to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.