Causes and risk factors
In most of the cases in newborn babies the obstruction of the tear duct is congenital whereas in cases of adults this blockage can occur due to any injury to the eye or infection. Diseases like tumors can also lead to blocked tear duct.
Clinical presentation:
The patient can come up with complaints like pain in and around the eyes and contiuous watering of eyes. Swelling in and around the eyes occurs. Headache, disturbed vision and sensitivity to light (photophobia) can also be seen. Difficulty in concentration and irritability can also be seen. A blocked tear duct can also give way to recurrent infections of the eyes e.g.: conjunctivitis.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination carried out by the ophthalmologist. Dacryocystography and dacryoscintography procedures are diagnostic. Tear drainage test along with irrigation and probing can also be done.
Treatment:
Treatment depends upon the causation. Medications like antibiotics are administered. In cases of tumors causing blockage surgery needs to be done. In cases of newborn babies with congenital anomaly the blockage can get better by time, however if needed minor procedures like dilatation and irrigation can be done. In severe cases surgical intervention is needed, dacryocystorhinostomy is done.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
