Lacrimal Obstruction

Lacrimal obstruction occurs when there is a partial or complete blockage of the duct system that transports tears from the surface of the eye to the nose.

Normally, tears drain from the surface of the eye into the nose through the nasolacrimal duct. If this duct is blocked, tears accumulate and spill down the cheeks, even when the person is not crying.

In children, these ducts may not be fully developed at birth. This problem usually goes away on its own. In adults, the duct may be affected by infection, injury or tumor.

Lacrimal obstruction is manifested by increased tearing that overflows onto the face or cheeks. In some cases it is necessary to treat the cause of the obstruction by reopening the duct.

At Clínica Ocular Dr. Tirado this is done with a minimally invasive treatment using a fine laser beam and a nasal endoscope to reconstruct the duct in order to restore the normal drainage of tears and stop their leakage on the cheeks.