The eye duct, more accurately called the tear duct (or nasolacrimal duct), is a small tube that drains tears from the eyes into the nasal cavity.
The Role of Tear Ducts
Tear ducts play a crucial role in maintaining eye health and comfort. Here's a breakdown of their function:
- Tear Production: Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, located under the eyelids.
- Eye Lubrication: Tears wash across the surface of the eye, keeping it moist and clean by removing dust, debris, and irritants.
- Drainage: After lubricating the eye, tears drain into the tear ducts, located in the inner corner of the eyelids (near the nose).
- Nasal Cavity: The tear ducts then carry the tears into the nasal cavity, where they are either reabsorbed or expelled. This is why your nose runs when you cry.
Tear Duct Blockage
A blocked tear duct can lead to excessive tearing (epiphora) and increase the risk of eye infections. When the tear duct is obstructed, tears cannot drain properly and accumulate on the surface of the eye.
Common causes of tear duct blockage include:
- Congenital Blockage: Some babies are born with underdeveloped or blocked tear ducts.
- Infection: Infections in the eye or nasal cavity can cause inflammation and blockage of the tear ducts.
- Injury: Trauma to the face or nose can damage the tear ducts.
- Tumors: Rarely, tumors can obstruct the tear ducts.
- Aging: As we age, the tear ducts can narrow, increasing the risk of blockage.
Treatment for Blocked Tear Ducts
Treatment for a blocked tear duct depends on the cause and severity of the blockage. Options may include:
- Massage: In infants with congenital blockage, gentle massage of the tear duct area may help to open it.
- Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to the affected eye can help to reduce inflammation.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Probing: A thin probe can be inserted into the tear duct to clear the blockage.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to create a new drainage pathway for tears.
