Blocked Tear Duct treatment

What is a Blocked Tear Duct?

A Blocked Tear Duct is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when tears cannot drain properly due to an obstruction in the tear drainage system. When these ducts become blocked, the tears cannot flow into the nasal cavity as they should, leading to persistent eye watering, frequent infections, and sometimes pain or swelling around the eyes.

At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and Abu Dhabi, our experienced surgeons offer personalised care using the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients with blocked tear ducts.

What causes blocked tear ducts?

A blocked tear duct may develop due to several underlying reasons:

Congenital issues: Some infants are born with an underdeveloped or closed membrane at the end of the tear duct, which prevents normal drainage.
Infections: Eye or sinus infections, can cause inflammation, leading to tear duct blockages.
Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions can cause swelling in the tear ducts, leading to obstructions.
Injury or trauma: Physical injuries to the face, particularly near the eyes or nose, can damage the tear ducts and cause blockages.
Age-Related changes: Aging can cause the tear ducts to narrow or lose elasticity, increasing the risk of blockages.
Tumors or growths: Benign or malignant tumours near the tear duct can obstruct tear drainage.
Previous surgeries or radiation treatment: Surgical procedures involving the eyes, nose, or sinuses, as well as radiation therapy, can result in scarring or narrowing of the tear ducts.

What are the symptoms of Blocked Tear Ducts?

Symptoms of a Blocked Tear Duct may include:

Excessive tearing or watery eyes (Epiphora).
Redness of the white part of the eye.
Recurrent eye infection or inflammation.
Painful swelling near the inside corner of the eye.
Crusting of the eyelids.
Discharge from the lids and surface of the eye.
Blurred vision.

Treatment for Blocked Tear Ducts

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the most common surgical treatment to address tear duct obstruction. It creates a new pathway between the tear sac and the nasal cavity to allow normal tear drainage. The approach taken depends on the patient’s specific needs and anatomy.

External DCR

This method involves making a small incision on the side of the nose near the inner corner of the eye. The surgeon creates a new tear drain opening through this incision, allowing tears to flow normally from the eyes into the nose. While a minor scar may remain, it is highly effective for adults with severe or long-standing Tear Duct Blockages.

Endoscopic DCR

A minimally invasive form of Lacrimal Duct Treatment that avoids external incisions by using a small camera (endoscope) and specialised surgical instruments to create a new drainage passage through the nose. As no external incision is required, there is no visible scarring, and recovery time is often shorter. It is an effective option for those suffering from chronic Tear Duct Blockages, relieving symptoms like excessive tearing and recurring infections.

Transcanalicular Laser-Assisted Endoscopic DCR

This advanced and minimally invasive procedure uses a laser technology to clear the obstruction through the natural tear duct opening. There are no visible cuts, and the precision of the laser allows for a smoother recovery. Patients can typically return to their usual routines soon after the procedure.

What to expect after surgery?

Recovery from Lacrimal Surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Patient involvement in post-treatment care is crucial for a successful recovery. It is important to follow the surgeon’s recommendations, follow the prescribed medication regimen, and attend all follow-up appointments.

Surgery: Depending on the type of surgery, the procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and patients can go home the same day.
Post-Surgery Care: Patients may need to use prescribed eye drops and avoid activities that could strain the eyes or nose.
Follow-Up visits: Attending all scheduled appointments is essential to monitor healing and assess the success of the procedure.
Managing Symptoms: Some temporary symptoms, such as mild discomfort or tearing, may occur during recovery but should gradually improve as healing progresses.

Blocked Tear Duct Treatment Specialists

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Dubai
Abu Dhabi

Dr. Qasiem Nasser

Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist in Oculoplastic Surgery

Dr. Qasiem Nasser has dual Fellowship training in Oculoplastic Surgery and Cornea, Cataract and Anterior Segment Surgery. His area of expertise is in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, including surgery on the eyelids, the orbit, and the tear drainage system for adults and children. In addition, he is also a specialist in Laser Assisted Cataract and Refractive Surgery, including LASIK, LASEK, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) and Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) for Keratoconus. Dr. Nasser grew up in Amman, Jordan. He attended medical school at The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, after which he completed his Residency in Ophthalmology at The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin. He then moved to the United States, where he completed a 2-year Ophthalmic Plastic and Orbital Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and Texas Oculoplastic Consultants in Austin. Dr. Nasser then persuaded another Fellowship in Cornea, Cataract and Anterior Segment Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. He is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in London and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. Dr. Nasser has been an active researcher and has published many manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, he has given lectures at national and international meetings, including The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the World Ophthalmology Congress.

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Dr. Khalid Alkhayat

Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist in Oculoplastic Surgery

Dr. Khalid Alkhayat is a Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist, specialised in Oculoplastics at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. He is a German Board Certified Ophthalmologist (Fachartz) and Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) since 2017. Dr. Alkhayat has over 12 years of combined regional and international experience in Oculoplasty in countries including the UAE, Ireland and Germany. During his career, he has practiced in leading medical institutions such as the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bruder Krankenhausin Trier, Germany, Gulf Medical University in Ajman, UAE, Dubai Hospital, UAE, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, UAE and Al Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He is also a member of Emirates Society of Ophthalmology (ESO).

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Dr. Rafic Antonios

Specialist Oculoplastic Surgeon

Dr. Rafic Antonios is a fellowship-trained Oculoplastic surgeon with expertise in reconstructive and cosmetic eye procedures involving the periocular area and pathologies involving the eyelid (Blepharoplasty), orbit, and lacrimal system at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. He holds a Bachelor of Science (2008) with distinction and a Medical Degree (2012) from the American University of Beirut. He finished his ophthalmology residency at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in (2017) with induction to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) – Honor Medical Society before pursuing a fellowship in Oculoplastics and Reconstructive Surgery and an additional fellowship in craniomaxillofacial trauma at the University of Montreal, Canada (2019). He has over five years of regional and international experience in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery in Canada and Lebanon. Dr. Rafic has practised in leading medical institutions such as Saint Justine Children's Hospital, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Sacre-Coeur Hospital in Canada, and the Beirut Eye & ENT Specialist Hospital in Lebanon. He has 28 publications in his field in peer-reviewed journals and several posters and presentations at national and international conferences. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society and the Lebanese Society of Ophthalmology (LOS).

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