This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Nasolacrimal duct (obstruction)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

In the elderly, stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct leads to epiphora and a mucopurulent discharge. Secondary infection is common producing an acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation. The swelling is frequently painful.

Stenosis may be bypassed by dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Alternatives to surgical DCR include endo-nasal laser DCR and naso-lacrimal duct balloon dilation or stenting. Acute dacryocystitiis may be treated with systemic antibiotics.

In infants, the disease is due to incomplete canalisation of the lower end of the duct. This occurs in about 5-7 percent of the newborn and is a common cause of nasolacrimal obstruction. Most cases resolve spontaneously within a 10 months of birth.

Antibiotic eye ointment is indicated if there is infection. Probing of the duct or dacryocystorhinostomy may be necessary in severe cases.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.