Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Overview, Signs and Symptoms of an Obstruction
- The lacrimal gland produces tears which enter into {the} "duct"
that drain {the} tears from {the} eye into {the} nose. The most common symptoms are If one has a plugged up "tear duct," not only will tears spill over {the} eyelids and
run down {the} face, but {the} stagnant tears within {the} system can become infected. - excess tearing (tears could run down {the} face) and
- mucous discharge
- This could lead to recurrent red eyes and infections.
- The excessive tearing can also produce secondary skin changes on {the} lower eyelids.
Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (NLDO) is very common in infants.
- Children are often born with an obstruction within {the} "tear duct." In fact, 6% of all children are born before their tear ducts are open.
- The stagnant tears within {the} "tear duct" often become infected causing pus (heavy matter) to collect between {the} eyelids.
- Antibiotics could help some of {the} symptoms, BUT this is not cure for {the} blockage
- Such obstructions could resolve spontaneously within {the} originally few months of life. In fact, 95% of these children will show resolution before their originally birthday. If it does not resolve surgery could be necessary.
Blockage presents in one of four ways:
- simple obstruction
- congenital fistula (as seen in {the} photo)
- acute dacryocystitis
- congenital dacryocele or mucocele
Dacryocystocele or Dacryocele
Location of Blockage & Anatomy
The very end of this duct is {the} most common place for blockage to occur. This site is called {the} valve of Hasner at {the} distal nasolacrimal duct and could represent failure of canalization of {the} epithelial cells that form {the} duct.
Medical Treatment of Congenital Obstructions
- Many of these do open on their own given time.
- Massaging from {the} tear sac in {the} could help create a pressure wave that can open {the} blockage.
Surgical Treatments
Visit LacriCATH website.
Procedures
- Home
- Anophthalmos
- Blepharoplasty
- Blepharospasm
- Brow Lift
- Congenital
- Dry Eye
- Eyelid Laxity
- Face
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Lacrimal System
- Lagophthalmos
- Latisse
- Locate an MD
- Orbital Tumors
- Ptosis
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Skin Tumors
- Symblepharon
- Thyroid
- Trauma