What is the treatment for a blocked tear duct in adults?

What is the treatment for a blocked tear duct in adults?

Blocked tear duct treatment depends on the cause. For example, if you have a tumor, your treatment focuses on removing or shrinking the tumor.

Additional treatment options may include:

• Medications: If an eye infection caused the blockage, your provider may prescribe oral antibiotics or medicated eyedrops.
• Dilation, probing and flushing: Your provider enlarges the opening at the corner of your eye. Then, using a small probe, your provider sends fluid through the tear duct. Usually, this “flushing” removes the blockage at least temporarily.
• Stenting: Your provider places a small, hollow tube (stent) through the puncta and into the tear duct. The tube allows tears to drain properly. The tubes stay in place for about three months. You will see a small portion of the tube out of the corner of your eye.
• Balloon catheter dilation: Your provider places a small, deflated balloon into the tear duct. Then your provider inflates the balloon a few times to clear the blockage. You are usually under general anesthesia (medication to help you remain asleep) for this procedure.
• Snip punctoplasty: Your provider makes two or three small incisions around your puncta. These incisions create a larger tear duct opening. Snip punctoplasty is a common treatment for partial blockages.