TEAR DRAINAGE RELATED PROBLEMS

A common cause of watering from the eye with discharge is the Naso-lacrimal Duct Obstruction of NLDO.

Every eye has a tube that drains tears from the eyes to the nose. This tube is called the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). Obstruction to this tube is a common cause of watering. This obstruction leads to a collection of tears within the tube and can cause a secondary infection. In cases of infection, initial treatment with medications is required.

Definitive treatment is by surgical procedures:

• Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): is a procedure in which an alternative passage is created to drain the tears into the nose.
• Dacryocystectomy (DCT): is a procedure of removal of the NLD. The selection of appropriate procedures and timing of intervention could be decided under the guidance of the treating doctor.