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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffAt your appointment, your doctor will gather a history of your eye symptoms and ask questions related to the causes of blocked tear ducts, as well as other conditions that can cause watery, irritated eyes. When you go to see your doctor, be prepared to discuss the following:
- Your symptoms, how long they've lasted and if anything relieves them
- Any previous eye or eyelid surgery
- Any previous facial trauma, injuries or surgery
- Any facial nerve conditions
- Any previous radiation
Be prepared for an eye exam and a few tests to see how your tears are draining. Your doctor will also examine the inside of your nose to determine if any structural disorders of your nasal passages are causing an obstruction. If a blocked tear duct is suspected, other tests may be performed to find the location of the blockage in order to choose the best treatment.
- DelGaudio JM, et al. Nasolacrimal duct orifice cysts in adults: A previously unrecognized, easily treatable cause of epiphora. The Laryngoscope. 2007;117(10):1830-1833.
- Casady DR, et al. Stepwise treatment paradigm for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2006;22(4):243-247.
- Goldstein SM, et al. Comparison of monocanalicular stenting and balloon dacryoplasty in secondary treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction after failed primary probing. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2004;20(5):352-357.
- Becelli R et al. Posttraumatic obstruction of lacrimal pathways: A retrospective analysis of 58 consecutive naso-orbitoethmoid fractures. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2004;15(1):29-33.
- Mandeville JT et al. Obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 2002;13(5):303-309.
- Tan AD, et al. Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. International Ophthalmology Clinics. 2001;41(4):57-69.
- Mills DM, et al. Acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39(5):979-999.
- Kapadia MK, et al. Evaluation and management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39(5):959-977.
- Woog JJ, et al. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and conjuctivodacryocystorhinostomy. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39(5):1001-1017.
- Hurwitz JJ. The Lacrimal drainage system. In: Yanoff. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.:Mosby Inc.; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/104049824-3/744373637/1197/56.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01634-0..50102-4_2729. Accessed July 29, 2008.
