Nasolacrimal duct obstruction

• Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct

A common location of blockage is the nasolacrimal duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction). This causes tears to be trapped in the lacrimal sac and sometimes become stagnant and infected (a condition referred to as dacrocystitis). It is a painful condition that requires oral antibiotics.

If the nasolacrimal duct is narrowed (also known as “stenosis”) but still partially open, Dr Mavrikakis may recommend placing temporary stents through your nasal passageways. If this is not effective or if the nasolacrimal duct becomes completely blocked, a dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the gold standard surgery to correct this problem.

A less common site of complete blockage is at the level of the canaliculus. In this situation, the solution to the problem is the placement of a Lester Jones tube.

Finally, narrowing of the punctum or canaliculus may respond to minor procedures to reopen these passageways i.e. snip punctoplasty or stenting procedures.

Most patients experience resolution of their tearing and discharge once the appropriate procedure has been done to address the blockage in their tear drainage system.