Comparison of lacrimal duct stenosis in adults and infants
The occurrence of a blocked tear duct is more frequent in infants. Almost 30 percent of all newborns suffer from some form of narrowing. The obstructed drainage often causes irritation, swelling or even purulent inflammation of the conjunctiva.
The reason for the occlusion is usually an unregenerated residual tissue from embryonic development, which blocks the canal like a small membrane. In most cases, the tissue recedes of its own accord or the occlusion can often be released with a suitable massage technique. However, if the blockage cannot be removed, a specialist should rinse or probe the nasal passage.
A surgical procedure should not be performed before the first year of life, as the child will be given a general anaesthetic in this procedure. Without any measures, a spontaneous opening of the lacrimal duct can still take place until the child reaches the first year of life. Clogged tear ducts are less common in adults.
The causes can be age-related changes in the eye, infections caused by bacteria, injuries, stones, cysts, tumors and also certain medications. More often women than men suffer from tear duct stenosis.
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