Lacrimal duct obstruction is among the ailments that occur quite frequently in infants. This is due to the abnormal formation of the nasolacrimal duct in foetal life, which remains closed/obstructed all the time after birth.
Symptoms and course tear duct obstruction
In the case of adults, the condition is related to the body's natural ageing process. This condition leads to vision problems (eye disorders) and various infections. As a result of the blockage of the tear duct, tears are unable to drain, leading to excessive tearing and the accumulation of purulent discharge in the corner of the eye. The child rubs the eyes a lot and complains of itching. This only makes the eye pain worse. If you notice severe tearing of the eyes and other worrying symptoms in your child, you should visit a paediatric ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Never underestimate these symptoms, wait for them to subside on their own or take any medication. It is always the doctor who decides on the treatment of the child. What are the causes of occlusion of the lacrimal duct? What are the symptoms? Is there a cure in children?
The entire tear drainage system of the eye consists of two parts:
- thesmall lacrimal sac (this is located in the medial corner of the eye),
- thenaso-tear duct, which is a thin and very delicate duct. When the second element is not properly formed in foetal life, we have a condition called: lacrimal duct obstruction. This is very common in children, but does not mean that it is not common in adults or the elderly (in the latter case, it is due to the slow, progressive degradation associated with ageing).
Lacrimal duct obstruction leads to eye problems (visual disturbances, eye pain and itching). Various viral, bacterial and fungal infections, inflammations, nasal polyps, sinus diseases, nasal bone injuries or nasal tumours (malignant and benign) contribute to the development of this condition.
When tears cannot drain freely, excessive tearing occurs. Very often, a profuse purulent/mucous discharge accumulates in the corner of the eye. This is most noticeable in children after sleeping. Swelling, pain, redness and itching around the eyes are very often visible and the patient may feel itchy.
When to go to the doctor and treating tear duct obstruction
If you notice the above-mentioned symptoms in your child, you should see a specialist as soon as possible. He or she will assess what is the direct cause of all the symptoms. In most cases, the diagnosis is quite simple and the doctor will confirm it by ordering bacterial cultures taken from the purulent discharge of the baby. An imaging study is performed to determine the exact nature of the obstruction. On this basis, treatment is instituted.
