Blocked tear duct

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

There's no way to prevent a congenital blocked tear duct. To reduce your risk of developing a blocked tear duct, be sure you get prompt treatment of eye inflammation or infections. And to avoid eye infections in the first place:

  • Avoid having contact with children and adults who have pink eye (conjunctivitis).
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
  • Try not to rub your eyes.
  • Replace your eyeliner and mascara regularly, and never share these cosmetics with others.
  • If you wear contact lenses, keep your contact lenses clean according to recommendations provided by the manufacturer and your eye care specialist.
References
  1. 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.
  2. Casady DR, et al. Stepwise treatment paradigm for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2006;22(4):243-247.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Mandeville JT et al. Obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 2002;13(5):303-309.
  6. Tan AD, et al. Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. International Ophthalmology Clinics. 2001;41(4):57-69.
  7. Mills DM, et al. Acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39(5):979-999.
  8. Kapadia MK, et al. Evaluation and management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39(5):959-977.
  9. Woog JJ, et al. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and conjuctivodacryocystorhinostomy. Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2006;39(5):1001-1017.
  10. 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.

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Oct. 16, 2008

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