Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (NLDO)

What is NLDO?

Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction is a condition that occurs when the tear drainage system (specifically the nasolacrimal duct) is blocked, preventing tears from draining properly into the nose. As a result, tears may overflow onto the cheek or cause eye infections

Symptoms

• Constant watery eyes
• Mucus or discharge from the eye
• Recurrent eye infections
• Redness near the inner corner of the eye
• Blurred vision due to excess tears

Causes

• Congenital (from birth) – common in infants
• Age-related narrowing of the tear duct
• Infections, inflammation, or injury
• Previous nasal or sinus surgeries

Treatment

In Infants:

• Often resolves by itself within the first year
• Gentle massage of the tear duct may help open the blockage
• if didn't resolve by the age of one year a probing procedure to open the duct is needed

In Adults:

• Antibiotic drops for infection
• DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy): A minor surgery to create a new drainage passage between the eye and nose