Blog / Chronic Tearing? Understanding and Treating Blocked Tear Ducts with DCR
Chronic Tearing? Understanding and Treating Blocked Tear Ducts with DCR
Constant watery eyes can be more than just a minor annoyance – they can signal an underlying condition known as chronic tearing, or epiphora. An imbalance between the production of tears and their drainage is what leads to this situation.
Sometimes tears may be released due to emotions, wind, or allergies, but if tearing keeps happening, it may be a sign that the tear duct is blocked or there is some other problem with the eyes which needs to be checked by a doctor. Understanding the causes and available treatments, including the DCR surgery procedure, can help restore comfort and clear vision.
What Causes Chronic Tearing?
Typically tears leave the eyes through very small ducts located in the inner corners of the eyes. If this natural way of drainage gets blocked, tears will be visible on the face as they will not mix with the nose. This is one of the most common tearing eyes causes, especially among adults.
Other possible reasons include :-
– Blocked tear ducts :- Infections, inflammation, or structural issues can block tear flow and cause overflow.
– Dry eyes :- Ironically, dryness can trigger excess tearing as the eyes overcompensate to stay lubricated.
– Allergies :- Eye allergies inflame the conjunctiva, leading to redness, itching, and watery eyes.
– Eyelid misalignment :- When eyelids turn inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion), tears cannot drain correctly.
– Inflammation or blepharitis :- Eyelid inflammation disrupts tear balance, causing irritation.
– Foreign objects :- Dust or debris can instantly trigger tearing as the eyes try to flush them out.
If you experience persistent tearing, pain, or swelling near your eyes, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist. Continuous tearing can sometimes lead to infections or blurred vision if left untreated.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Periodic eye watering may not be an issue, but if you notice chronic tearing, discharge, or frequent infections, you may have a blocked tear duct. Your eye specialist will perform diagnostic tests to identify the cause and recommend the chief effective blocked tear duct adult treatment- from simple eye drops to surgical correction.
What Is a Blocked Tear Duct?
A blocked tear duct occurs when the nasolacrimal duct system,
which drains tears from the eyes into the nose, becomes incomplete or completely obstructed.
Common causes include :-
– Aging or age-related narrowing of the tear duct
– Chronic sinus infections
– Facial trauma or nasal injury
– Congenital blockages present from birth
Symptoms may include :-
– Persistent watery eyes
– Swelling near the inner corner of the eye
– Mucus or pus discharge
– Redness or irritation around the eyelid
– Recurrent eye infections (dacryocystitis)
When non-surgical treatments like eye drops, massage, or antibiotics fail, Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) becomes the gold standard solution.
Understanding the DCR Surgery Procedure
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a very successful operation to bring back the regular flow of tears. In fact, the operation aims at making a connection between the tear sac and the nose so that the tears can go around the closed duct and find their way of drain by themselves.
How it works :-
- The surgeon creates an opening between the tear sac and the nasal passage.
- A small stent (soft silicone tube) may be temporarily placed to keep the new passage open while healing occurs.
- The procedure can be performed in two main ways:
External DCR :- A small incision is made on the side of the nose.
Endoscopic DCR :- A minimally invasive approach performed through the nostril with no external scar.
Both methods have excellent success rates and are performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the operation, it is normal for one to experience a slight pain or nasal congestion, however, this can be controlled with the use of medications that have been prescribed. It will be necessary for you to come for the follow-up visits so that the healing process can be checked and the removal of the stent if it was inserted.
It is recommended that the patients refrain from blowing their nose, from doing heavy lifting, and from bending over for a few weeks so as not to increase the pressure in the area of the surgical site.
Most importantly, DCR surgery offers long-term relief from chronic tearing, irritation, and recurrent infections – significantly improving both vision comfort and quality of life.
Regain Comfort and Clarity
It is shocking that most people ignore the signs of their eyes watering. Do not let this happen to you. With proper diagnosis from an expert and up-to-date treatments such as DCR operation, you can have your relief for a long time and a more vivid sight. At Fathima Eye Care, our experienced oculoplastic specialists offer advanced blocked tear duct adult treatment, helping you see and feel your best again.
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