What You Need to Know About Blocked Tear Ducts

There are activities that compromise your eyes resulting to eye strain. It is important that you know what activities trigger eye strain so you can effectively avoid it. One symptom of eye strain is dry eyes. The eyes need to be lubricated because a dry one can easily be irritated. One relief of dry eyes is to unblock the tear duct.

Nasolacrimal ducts are commonly known as tear ducts. It is crucial in draining the tears to keep the eyes hydrated and healthy. If tear ducts are blocked, it can fill the lacrimal sac which will result to infections and other minor eye illnesses. Here are the things that you need to know about blocked tear ducts:

Symptoms

There are only few symptoms that can tell you whether you are suffering from it or not. Symptoms include excessive tearing, pus discharge from one of the eye, white part of the eye is swollen or red and blurry vision. The good news is that blocked tear duct is not that serious and it can happen occasionally but if it lasts for a week or so, it is time that you come to your doctor and listen to what he/she says. It may be a symptom of a larger problem.

Risks

You have to know if you have higher chances of acquiring this condition. Those that have chronic eye inflammation and other infections are in risk of developing blocked tear duct. Older women also have higher chances of developing blocked tear duct. People who endured sinus or eye surgeries are also at risk.

Causes

There are many causes of blocked tear ducts. There are cases where babies are born with it but as they grow it, it becomes better. People who suffered nose or eye injury is another cause as it can disturb the function of tear ducts.

Relief

Of course there is something that you can do to give relief to blocked tear ducts. You just need clean washcloth and warm water. The warm wet cloth should be placed on your eyes for at least ten minutes while you rub and pinch below the bridge of your nose. You can repeat this every four to six hours if need arises.

If this treatment does not give relief, it is time that you have to see your doctor or other medical professionals. They will diagnose if it is serious or not. Regardless, they will give you medication so your condition will be better. Do not ignore blocked tear ducts. If you are not sure what condition you have, always have your eyes checked.