Infected Tear Duct: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment | Bausch + Lomb

Infected Tear Duct

Inflamed tear ducts, or dacryocystitis, is an inflammation of the tear drainage system in one or both eyes that cause excessive tearing, and sometimes redness and discharge despite there being no presence of allergies, cold, or other concerns. This can happen to people at any age, but it is most typically observed in babies – with one in three affected.

What Causes Inflamed Tear Ducts?

In adults, infection sets in when the tear duct is blocked, sometimes as a result of the natural growth pattern of surrounding bones. Their growth narrows the tear ducts, causing a blockage, which allows bacteria to collect and gradually grow.

Many infants are born with a membrane in the tear duct that does not open, or is too narrow to allow the passage of tears. This is very typical, and in most cases will be outgrown by age 1. However, if it lasts beyond age 1, a minor, generally painless surgical procedure is performed to open the duct (typically lasting 5 minutes, and done in your doctor’s office).

Symptoms of Inflamed Tear Ducts

Aside from observing the typical redness, swelling, and excess tearing present with infected tear ducts, an eye care professional can run other tests to pinpoint the disorder. These include pressing near the sinus area for discharge through the tear ducts, as well as dye tests, where coloured fluid is run through the tear ducts to see if they are clear.

  • Symptoms of Infected Tear Ducts include:
  • Eye and eyelid redness
  • Eye inflammation
  • Excess tearing
  • Eye discharge
  • Fever

Treatments for Inflamed Tear Ducts

In most cases, oral antibiotics are the treatment of choice for infected tear ducts. They are fast and effective, usually clearing the infection up in a matter of days. In some cases where infections don’t respond to antibiotics, surgery may be recommended to clear the tear ducts, or remove surrounding bones that may be causing the tear ducts to be too narrow.

Related Articles

Allergies

Allergies are your body’s natural response to certain medications or substances, usually resulting in itchiness, redness, and inflammation, among other sympt...

Know More

Watery Eyes

Watery eyes happen when eyes produce a surplus of tears, or in other words, when eyes make more tears than they can efficiently drain. This may be due to ove...

Know More

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the transparent membrane (or conjunctiva) that lines the eyelids and eye. It is a common condition that is usually mino...

Know More

Eyelid Inflammation

Eyelid inflammation, or blepharitis, is a common disorder in which the eyelids become red, inflamed, and accumulate build-up around their edges. Fortunately,...

Know More

Tired Eyes

Tired eye is another term for what is commonly known as eyestrain – when eyes feel achy, weak, or heavy due to intense use. It is not a disease, and does not...

Know More

Contact Lens Discomfort

Soft contact lenses are generally comfortable from the beginning of use. Contact lens discomfort can occur but is usually easily remedied. Contact lens disco...

Know More

Dry Eyes

Dry eye is the loss or reduction of the eye's ability to produce normal tears. It is one of the most frequent causes of visits to an eye care
professiona...

Know More

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is strain on the eyes that happens when you use a computer or digital device for prolonged periods of time. Anyone who has spe...

Know More

Pink Eye (conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the transparent membrane (or conjunctiva) that covers the front part of the eye and underside of the eyelids. Pink eye ...

Know More

Styes (or Sties)

A sty is a bacterial infection near the root of an eyelash. It is a very common infection that is rarely serious, although it is typically painful.
Styes...

Know More

Red Eyes

Your eyes may appear red or bloodshot from time to time. If your eyes are red and there is no pain or change in vision, it might not be a big deal, but
d...

Know More

Computer Vision Syndrome: A Problem of The Digital Age

Today we find ourselves living in a digitally-driven age, where all of us spend considerable time in front of any electronic devices with screens such as com...

Know More

5 Regular Habits Harming Your Eyes

Our eyes are sensitive, as well as one of the most complex and vital organs in your body. TWhen you take good care of your eyes, you can help lower the risk ...

Know More