Tear Duct Obstruction: Causes, Treatment Options, and Current Approaches
As an ophthalmologist, one of the most common problems I encounter in my daily practice is tear duct obstruction. The tear ducts are part of the nasolacrimal system, which allows tears produced in the eye to drain into the nasal cavity. When these ducts become blocked, tears cannot drain properly, and patients often present with constant watering, discharge, and sometimes eye infections. This condition can occur both in children and adults; however, it most frequently appears as congenital tear duct obstruction in infants.