Watery eyes may seem like a minor inconvenience, but persistent tearing can disrupt vision, cause irritation, or signal an underlying problem. Relief is possible with specialized care, often without external incisions.
About Tear Duct Abnormalities
The tear drainage system includes tiny openings in the eyelids (puncta), channels (canaliculi), and the nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears into the nose. When any part of this system is blocked or misaligned, tears can back up onto the surface of the eye, causing overflow, blurry vision, or even recurrent infections.
Causes of tear duct dysfunction include the following:
- Age-related narrowing or collapse of the tear ducts
- Chronic inflammation or infection
- Trauma or facial surgery
- Congenital issues in children or adults
- Tumors or growths near the tear drainage system
Accurate diagnosis often requires specialized imaging and testing to identify the location and extent of the blockage.
