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Blocked Tear Ducts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Alan Lucks | MD

Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on March 31st, 2024.

Key Takeaways

  • The nasolacrimal duct system drains approximately 1-2 liters of tears daily from your eyes to your nose—when blocked, this causes the telltale constant watering and overflow.

  • Congenital blockages affect 5-20% of newborns but typically resolve within the first year, while adult onset usually occurs after age 40 due to duct narrowing.

  • Dacryocystitis, a serious infection of the tear sac, can develop within days of complete blockage and requires immediate antibiotic treatment to prevent orbital cellulitis.

  • Simple massage techniques performed 2-3 times daily can clear minor blockages by applying gentle pressure from the inner corner of the eye downward along the nose.

  • Balloon dacryoplasty has a 90% success rate for partial blockages and takes only 15-20 minutes under local anesthesia, while complete obstructions may require surgical bypass procedures.

Tears are essential for keeping your eyes clean, moist, and healthy. When your tear ducts become blocked, it can lead to watery, irritated eyes and even serious infections. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to get your eyes checked by a doctor to determine if a blocked tear duct is the cause.

What Are Tear Ducts?

Tear ducts are tiny tunnels that allow tears to drain from your eyes to your throat. Glands in your eyelids and the white part of your eyes constantly produce tears, which are then spread across the surface of your eyes as you blink. The tears exit through small holes called puncta located in the inner corners of your eyelids, near your nose.

Causes of Blocked Tear Ducts

Blocked tear ducts can occur for various reasons, including:

  • Congenital blockage in babies

  • Narrowing of the puncta due to age

  • Trauma or injury to the drainage duct

  • Debris or small particles stuck in the duct

  • Scar tissue from a broken nose or other injury

  • Polyps or growths in the nose

  • Infections in the eye or nose, such as conjunctivitis (pinkeye)

  • Tumors pressing on the drainage system

  • Damage from sinus surgery

  • Swelling caused by glaucoma eye drops, radioactive iodine, or chemotherapy treatment

Blocked Tear Ducts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Symptoms of Blocked Tear Ducts

The most common symptoms of blocked tear ducts include:

  • Watery eyes

  • Irritated or red eyes

  • Excessive tearing

  • Mucus or discharge from the eyes

  • Blurred vision

If the blockage occurs in the portion of the tear duct located in the bone of the nose, it can lead to a serious infection called dacryocystitis, which requires prompt medical attention.

Treatment Options for Blocked Tear Ducts

Treatment for blocked tear ducts depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Options include:

  • Massage: Gently rubbing the corners of the eyes twice a day can help release fluid and open up the tissue covering the tear ducts.

  • Tear duct probing: For babies whose tear ducts don't open on their own by their first birthday, a doctor can use a thin probe to open the tissue covering the duct.

  • Balloon catheter dilation: A thin tube with an inflatable balloon at the end is threaded into the tear duct to widen it.

  • Intubation: Tiny tubes are placed in the tear ducts for 3-6 months to keep them open and allow tears to drain properly.

  • Surgery: Dacryocystorhinostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a new route for tears to drain from the eye, bypassing the blocked tear duct.

If you suspect you or your child has a blocked tear duct, consult with an eye doctor to determine the best course of treatment. With proper care and management, most cases of blocked tear ducts can be resolved, leading to healthier, more comfortable eyes.

For more information on blocked tear ducts and eye health, visit:

The Bottom Line

Most tear duct blockages respond well to conservative treatment when caught early, but complete obstructions and signs of infection require prompt medical intervention to prevent serious complications. The key is distinguishing between simple overflow tearing and infected discharge, which appears thick and yellow-green. If you're experiencing persistent watery eyes or concerning discharge, Doctronic can help you determine the right next steps.

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