7 Common Blocked Tear Duct Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

A blocked tear duct, also known as a clogged tear duct or nasolacrimal duct obstruction, occurs when the drainage system for tears becomes partially or completely obstructed. This condition prevents tears from draining normally from the eye into the nose, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. While blocked tear ducts are common in newborns and typically resolve on their own, adults can also develop this condition due to various factors including infections, injuries, or age-related changes.

Understanding the symptoms of a blocked tear duct is crucial for early detection and proper management. If left untreated, a tear duct blockage can lead to recurrent infections and more serious complications. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the seven most common symptoms of blocked tear ducts, helping you recognize when it’s time to consult with a healthcare professional.

1. Excessive Tearing (Epiphora)

The most prominent and noticeable symptom of a blocked tear duct is excessive tearing or watering of the eyes, medically known as epiphora. This occurs because tears cannot drain properly through the blocked duct, causing them to overflow onto the cheeks instead of draining into the nasal cavity as they normally would.

This excessive tearing may be constant or intermittent, and it often worsens in certain conditions:

• During cold or windy weather
• When exposed to bright lights or sunlight
• In air-conditioned or heated environments
• During periods of eye strain or fatigue

The tears may stream down your face even when you’re not crying or experiencing any emotional response. This can be particularly bothersome during daily activities and may interfere with vision, making tasks like reading or driving more challenging. In adults with clogged tear duct, this symptom can significantly impact quality of life and may cause social embarrassment.

2. Mucus or Pus-like Discharge

When a tear duct becomes blocked, the stagnant tears can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth, leading to the production of thick, yellow or greenish discharge. This discharge, which may contain mucus or pus, typically accumulates in the corner of the eye, particularly near the nose.

You may notice this discharge:

• More prominently upon waking in the morning
• Causing the eyelids to stick together after sleep
• Creating a crusty buildup on the eyelashes
• Varying in color from clear and sticky to yellow or green

The presence of yellow or green discharge often indicates an infected tear duct, which requires prompt medical attention. This symptom may be accompanied by other signs of infection, and the discharge can make the eyes feel uncomfortable and appear unsightly. Regular gentle cleaning with warm water can help manage the discharge, but addressing the underlying blockage is essential for resolution.

3. Redness and Swelling Around the Eye

A swollen tear duct often manifests as visible redness and swelling in the inner corner of the eye, near the nose. This area contains the tear drainage system, including the lacrimal sac, which can become inflamed when tears cannot drain properly.

The swelling associated with a blocked tear duct may present as:

• A small, tender bump in the inner corner of the eye
• Puffiness extending to the surrounding eyelid area
• Redness that may spread across the white part of the eye
• A warm feeling in the affected area

When the lacrimal sac becomes infected—a condition called dacryocystitis—the swelling can become quite pronounced and painful. The affected area may feel warm to the touch and appear red or even slightly purple. This swelling can be cosmetically concerning and may cause discomfort when touching or applying pressure to the area. If you notice increasing swelling accompanied by fever or severe pain, seek immediate medical attention as this may indicate a serious infection requiring urgent treatment.

4. Pain or Tenderness in the Inner Corner of the Eye

Pain and tenderness in the inner corner of the eye, where the tear duct is located, is a common symptom of tear duct blockage, especially when infection is present. This discomfort can range from mild tenderness to severe, throbbing pain depending on the severity of the blockage and whether infection has developed.

The pain characteristics may include:

• A constant aching sensation in the inner eye area
• Sharp pain when touching or applying pressure to the region
• Throbbing discomfort that worsens throughout the day
• Pain that intensifies when blinking or moving the eye

In cases of acute dacryocystitis (infection of the tear sac), the pain can become quite severe and may be accompanied by fever and malaise. The tenderness may make it difficult to wear glasses comfortably or to sleep on the affected side. Some people also experience referred pain that radiates to the surrounding facial areas, including the nose, cheek, or temple. This pain is your body’s warning signal that something is wrong and should not be ignored, particularly if it’s accompanied by other symptoms of infection.

5. Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is a frequently overlooked symptom of blocked tear ducts, but it can significantly affect daily functioning. This occurs because the excessive tears pooling on the eye’s surface create an irregular optical surface, disrupting the normal passage of light into the eye.

Vision problems associated with tear duct blockage include:

• Intermittent blurring that clears with blinking
• Difficulty focusing on objects, especially during reading or computer work
• Fluctuating vision that worsens as tears accumulate
• Temporary improvement after wiping the eyes

The blurred vision caused by a clogged tear duct is typically temporary and resolves when you blink or wipe away the excess tears. However, the constant need to clear your vision can be frustrating and may interfere with activities requiring visual concentration, such as driving, reading, or working on a computer. Unlike blurred vision caused by refractive errors or other eye conditions, this type of blurring is directly related to the film of tears on the eye surface and should improve once the tear duct blockage is resolved.

6. Recurrent Eye Infections

One of the more serious consequences of a blocked tear duct is the tendency to develop recurrent eye infections. When tears cannot drain properly, bacteria can multiply in the stagnant fluid, leading to repeated episodes of conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other ocular infections.

Signs of recurrent infections include:

• Multiple episodes of pink or red eyes over weeks or months
• Repeated occurrences of sticky discharge requiring treatment
• Frequent feelings of grittiness or foreign body sensation in the eye
• Cycles of improvement followed by symptom recurrence

These infections may seem to respond to treatment initially, only to return shortly after medication is discontinued. This pattern of recurrent infection is a key indicator that an underlying tear duct blockage may be present and needs to be addressed. The infections can affect one or both eyes, though a blocked tear duct typically affects only one side. If you find yourself experiencing repeated eye infections despite treatment, it’s important to consult an eye care professional who can evaluate whether a blocked tear duct is the underlying cause. Addressing the blockage is essential to breaking the cycle of recurrent infections.

7. Crusty Eyelids and Lashes

Crusty buildup on the eyelids and eyelashes is a common and bothersome symptom of blocked tear ducts. This occurs when the discharge from the affected eye dries on the eyelids and lashes, creating a crusty or flaky appearance that can be difficult to remove.

This symptom typically manifests as:

• Hard, dried discharge stuck to the eyelashes, especially after sleeping
• Difficulty opening the eyes in the morning due to crusting
• Flaky material along the eyelid margins
• Matted eyelashes that clump together

The crusting is usually most noticeable upon waking because discharge accumulates during sleep when blinking doesn’t occur to clear it away. You may find that your eyelids are sealed shut in the morning and require gentle washing with warm water to open them. The crusty material can be yellow, white, or greenish in color, depending on whether infection is present. While this symptom can be managed with regular gentle cleaning using a warm, damp cloth, it will continue to recur until the underlying tear duct blockage is resolved. It’s important to clean the area gently to avoid irritating the delicate eye tissue or spreading any infection that may be present.

Main Causes of Blocked Tear Ducts

Understanding what causes tear duct blockage can help in prevention and early intervention. The causes vary depending on age and individual circumstances:

Congenital Causes

• Incomplete development: Many infants are born with underdeveloped tear drainage systems that typically open within the first few months of life
• Abnormal duct formation: Some babies have structural abnormalities in the tear drainage system present from birth

Age-Related Causes

• Natural narrowing: As we age, the tear duct openings can naturally become narrower, increasing the risk of blockage
• Tissue changes: Age-related changes in the surrounding tissues can compress the tear ducts

Infectious and Inflammatory Causes

• Chronic infections: Repeated eye or sinus infections can cause scarring and narrowing of the tear ducts
• Inflammatory conditions: Conditions like sarcoidosis or Wegener’s granulomatosis can affect the tear drainage system
• Conjunctivitis: Severe or chronic pink eye can lead to tear duct inflammation and blockage

Trauma and Injury

• Facial injuries: Fractures or damage to the facial bones can disrupt the tear drainage pathway
• Foreign objects: Small particles or debris can lodge in the tear duct, causing obstruction
• Chemical burns: Exposure to harmful chemicals can damage and scar the tear duct system

Tumors and Growths

• Nasal polyps: Growths in the nose can block the drainage opening of the tear duct
• Tumors: Though rare, tumors in the eye area, nose, or tear drainage system can cause blockage

Medical Treatments

• Cancer treatments: Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause tear duct blockage as a side effect
• Eye drops: Long-term use of certain medications, particularly glaucoma drops, may contribute to duct narrowing
• Previous surgery: Surgical procedures on the eyes, nose, or sinuses can inadvertently affect the tear drainage system

Prevention Strategies

While not all cases of blocked tear ducts can be prevented, especially congenital cases or those related to unavoidable medical conditions, there are several strategies that may help reduce your risk or prevent recurrence:

Maintain Good Eye Hygiene

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes
• Remove eye makeup completely before bed using gentle, ophthalmologist-approved products
• Clean your eyelids regularly with warm water or eyelid cleansing wipes
• Replace eye makeup every three to six months to prevent bacterial buildup

Protect Your Eyes from Injury

• Wear protective eyewear during sports or activities with risk of facial injury
• Use safety glasses when working with chemicals or in environments with flying debris
• Be cautious during activities that could result in facial trauma

Manage Underlying Conditions

• Treat sinus infections promptly to prevent spread to the tear drainage system
• Manage chronic inflammatory conditions under medical supervision
• Address allergies appropriately to reduce eye inflammation
• Follow up regularly with healthcare providers if you have conditions that affect the eyes

Practice Tear Duct Massage (for those prone to blockages)

• Gently massage the area between the inner corner of the eye and the nose
• Use clean fingers and apply gentle pressure in a downward motion
• Perform this massage technique as recommended by your eye care professional
• This can help keep the duct open and promote drainage

Avoid Eye Irritants

• Limit exposure to smoke, dust, and other airborne irritants
• Use air purifiers in your home and workplace if necessary
• Wear wraparound sunglasses on windy days to protect eyes from debris
• Be mindful of cosmetic products that may irritate your eyes

Seek Prompt Treatment for Eye Infections

• Don’t ignore signs of eye infection such as redness, discharge, or irritation
• Consult with a healthcare professional early to prevent complications
• Complete the full course of any prescribed treatment
• Follow up if symptoms don’t improve or recur frequently

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a blocked tear duct clear up on its own?

In many cases, especially in infants, blocked tear ducts do resolve spontaneously without intervention. About 90% of congenital blocked tear ducts open on their own by the time a baby is one year old. In adults, however, spontaneous resolution is less common, and medical intervention is often needed to clear the blockage and prevent recurrent infections.

Is a blocked tear duct serious?

While a blocked tear duct itself is not typically a serious medical emergency, it can lead to complications if left untreated. The most concerning complication is dacryocystitis, a painful infection of the tear sac that can spread to surrounding tissues. Recurrent infections and chronic tearing can also significantly impact quality of life. If you suspect you have a blocked tear duct, it’s important to seek evaluation from an eye care professional.

How long does a blocked tear duct last in adults?

The duration of a blocked tear duct in adults varies considerably depending on the underlying cause and whether treatment is pursued. Without intervention, the blockage may persist indefinitely as adult tear ducts rarely open spontaneously like infant ducts do. With appropriate treatment, symptoms can often be resolved within a few weeks to months, though some cases may require surgical intervention for complete resolution.

Can allergies cause a blocked tear duct?

Allergies don’t directly cause tear duct blockage, but they can contribute to the problem. Severe or chronic allergic reactions can cause inflammation and swelling in and around the tear drainage system, potentially leading to temporary or partial blockage. Additionally, the increased mucus production associated with allergies can make existing blockages worse. Managing allergies effectively can help reduce these complications.

What’s the difference between a blocked tear duct and pink eye?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye, causing redness, itching, and discharge. A blocked tear duct is an obstruction in the drainage system that carries tears from the eye to the nose. However, these conditions can be related—a blocked tear duct can lead to recurrent pink eye because stagnant tears create an environment where bacteria can thrive. The key difference is that pink eye primarily affects the eye surface, while a blocked tear duct is a drainage problem.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have a blocked tear duct?

Wearing contact lenses with a blocked tear duct is generally not recommended, especially if there are signs of infection such as discharge or redness. The excessive tearing can make lens wear uncomfortable and may affect lens position and vision. Additionally, if infection is present, wearing contact lenses can worsen the condition and potentially lead to more serious complications. Consult with your eye care professional before wearing contact lenses if you have symptoms of a blocked tear duct.

Does a blocked tear duct affect both eyes?

Blocked tear ducts typically affect only one eye, as each eye has its own independent tear drainage system. However, it is possible, though less common, to have blockages in both tear ducts simultaneously. If you’re experiencing symptoms in both eyes, this might suggest a different underlying condition, or it could indicate bilateral tear duct problems. Any symptoms affecting both eyes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the correct diagnosis.

When should I see a doctor for a blocked tear duct?

You should consult a doctor if you experience: persistent excessive tearing lasting more than a few days, signs of infection including yellow or green discharge, significant pain or swelling in the inner corner of the eye, fever accompanying eye symptoms, vision changes that don’t clear with blinking, recurrent eye infections, or if symptoms significantly interfere with your daily activities. For infants with blocked tear ducts, consult a pediatrician if symptoms don’t improve by 6-12 months of age or if signs of infection develop.

References:

• Mayo Clinic – Blocked Tear Duct
• American Academy of Ophthalmology – Blocked Tear Duct
• National Eye Institute – Blocked Tear Ducts
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Blocked Tear Duct
• NHS – Watering Eyes