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Cornea, Squint & Oculoplasty

Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Watering eyes with sticky discharge are often due to a blocked tear duct — common in babies and in older adults.

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The tear drainage system carries tears from the eye into the nose. When it is blocked, tears overflow. In babies, many blockages open on their own; in adults, treatment is often surgical.

What is nasolacrimal duct obstruction?

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a blockage in the tube that drains tears from the tear sac into the nose. Congenital NLDO occurs in infants when a thin membrane at the end of the duct fails to open. Acquired NLDO in adults is usually due to age-related narrowing, infection or injury.

Symptoms & signs

  • Constant watering
  • Sticky discharge or crusting on the lashes
  • Swelling near the inner corner of the eye
  • Recurrent conjunctivitis

Causes & risk factors

  • Congenital membrane at the end of the duct (infants)
  • Age-related narrowing
  • Chronic nasal or sinus disease
  • Infection or injury

Who needs this treatment?

  • Infants with persistent watering and discharge
  • Adults with chronic watering or recurrent infection

How it is diagnosed

  • Fluorescein dye disappearance test
  • Lacrimal syringing (adults)
  • Examination of eyelids and puncta

Treatment options

Lacrimal sac massage

Often advised first for infants.

Probing

A fine probe opens the blockage in infants who do not improve.

DCR

For adults with established blockage.

Procedure / what to expect

  1. AssessmentConfirm the blockage and rule out other causes.
  2. Stepwise treatmentMassage, probing or DCR as appropriate to age and severity.
  3. Follow-upCheck that tears are draining.

Have questions about Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction?

Talk to our eye care team — we'll guide you to the right next step.

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Benefits

  • Relief from watering and discharge
  • Reduced infections
  • Age-appropriate, stepwise care

Technology used

  • Lacrimal probing and syringing instruments

Specific equipment models: to be confirmed by the hospital

Recovery

  • Probing in infants has a quick recovery
  • Adult DCR recovery is described on the DCR page

Precautions

  • Do not ignore swelling with redness and pain — seek care promptly
  • Clean discharge gently with boiled, cooled water and clean cloth
Every eye is different. Results vary between individuals, and no treatment outcome can be guaranteed. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the expected benefits and risks for your specific condition.

Frequently asked questions

Many do within the first year. Your doctor will advise on massage and when probing may help.

It is a brief procedure performed with appropriate anaesthesia/sedation as advised by the doctor.

Why choose Jawahar Eye Hospital?

  • Specialist-led diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Modern diagnostics and surgical systems
  • Clear explanation of options, risks and costs
  • Day-care procedures wherever appropriate
  • Structured follow-up after treatment
  • Convenient location on Delhi Road, Meerut
Your specialists

Doctors for Nasolacrimal Duct care

Dr. Umang Varma, Cataract & Refractive Surgery at Jawahar Eye HospitalCataract & Refractive Surgery

Dr. Umang Varma

Chairman, Medical Director & Senior Phaco-Refractive Surgeon
  • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) (verify)
  • Experience: XX+ years

Dr. Umang Varma leads Jawahar Eye Hospital and focuses on comprehensive eye care, including cataract surgery, refractive surgery (i-LASIK, PRK, laser vision correction,…

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Dr. Rajeev Jain, Cataract, Glaucoma & Squint at Jawahar Eye HospitalCataract, Glaucoma & Squint

Dr. Rajeev Jain

Senior Ophthalmologist
  • MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) (verify)
  • Experience: XX+ years

Dr. Rajeev Jain is a senior ophthalmologist at Jawahar Eye Hospital who specialises in cataract, glaucoma and squint, and in the medical and surgical treatment…

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