Tear Duct Diseases

Causes and Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes result from the eyes not being sufficiently moisturized by tears. This condition can cause various problems such as irritation, itching, and blurred vision. The most common causes of dry eyes include:

⬩Tear production naturally decreases with age.

⬩Certain medical conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, arthritis, and lupus can affect tear production.

⬩Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can cause dry eyes.

⬩Environmental factors like dry air, wind, and smoke can accelerate tear evaporation.

⬩Prolonged use of screens (computer, tablet, phone) can reduce blinking frequency, leading to dry eyes.

⬩Contact lenses can degrade tear quality and cause dryness.

Dry eyes can manifest with the following symptoms;

⬩Stinging, burning, or itching sensation in the eyes

⬩Blurred vision

⬩Eye fatigue

⬩Feeling of a foreign body in the eyes

⬩Sensitivity to light

⬩Redness

⬩Excessive tearing (paradoxically)

⬩Stickiness in the eyelids

Treatment for Dry Eyes

Treatment for dry eyes depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor may recommend tear replacement therapy such as artificial tear drops, gels, or ointments. In some cases, treating the underlying medical condition or adjusting medication doses may be necessary.

Causes of Tear Duct Blockage

The tear duct is a tube system located at the inner corner of the eye that allows tears to drain into the nose. Blockage of the tear duct can prevent tears from draining properly, leading to issues like discharge, redness, watering, and infections.

There are various causes of tear duct blockage. The general causes include;

⬩Some babies are born with underdeveloped tear ducts, which can cause blockage due to a membrane at the upper end or narrow ducts.

⬩Eye infections can inflame and block the tear duct.

⬩Injuries to the eye area can damage and block the tear duct.

⬩Rarely, tumors in or around the tear duct can cause blockage.

⬩Aging can narrow the tear duct, leading to blockage.

Treatment for Tear Duct Blockage

Treatment for tear duct blockage depends on the cause and severity of the blockage. Mild cases can be treated with conservative methods such as tear drops and massage. More severe cases may require procedures like probing, tube insertion, or a surgical operation called DSR.

Tear duct blockage is quite common in infants, with about 80% of cases resolving on their own within the first year. During this period, the doctor may recommend tear drops and massage as treatments. If the blockage persists after the first year, procedures like probing or other surgeries may be necessary.

In adults, tear duct blockage typically results from infections, injuries, or tumors. Treatment targets the underlying cause. Infections are treated with antibiotics, while tumors are surgically removed. For other causes, procedures like probing, tube insertion, or DSR surgery may be required.

Tear Duct Injuries

When the tear ducts are injured for any reason, tear drainage can be disrupted, leading to various eye problems. Symptoms of tear duct injuries include redness and swelling, tearing or dryness of the eyes, discharge, itching, irritation, and blurred vision.

The causes of tear duct injuries include;

⬩Traumatic injuries

⬩Infections

⬩Foreign bodies

⬩Tumors

⬩Congenital disorders

⬩Certain medical conditions

All these injuries can be treated by experienced doctors.