Dacryostenosis is the total or partial obstruction of the channel that leads to tears, the lacrimal channel. Blockage of this channel can be congenital, due to the inadequate development of the lacrimonasal system or abnormal development of the face, or acquired, which may result from blows to the nose or the bones of the face, for example.
The obstruction of the canal is usually not serious, however it should be informed to the doctor so that some treatment can be done, if necessary, since there may be inflammation and subsequent infection of the obstructed canal, this situation being known as dacryocystitis.
Symptoms of dacryostenosis
The main signs and symptoms of dacryostenosis are:
- Watery eyes; Redness of the white part of the eye; Presence of eye discharge; Crusts on the eyelid; Swelling of the inner corner of the eye; Blurred vision.
Despite the fact that most cases of dacryostenosis are congenital, it is possible that the tear duct is blocked in adulthood, which can happen due to blows to the face, infections and inflammation in the region, the presence of tumors or as a result of inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, for example. In addition, acquired dacryostenosis can be closely related to aging in which the canal becomes narrower over time.
Lacrimal canal block in a baby
Blockade of the tear duct in babies is called congenital dacryostenosis, which can be seen in babies between 3 and 12 weeks of birth, and occurs due to the incorrect formation of the lacrimonasal system, prematurity of the baby or due to malformation of the skull or head. face.
Congenital dacryostenosis can be easily identified and can disappear spontaneously between 6 and 9 months of age or later according to the maturation of the lacrimonasal system. However, when blockage of the tear duct interferes with the baby's well-being, it is important to take the child to the pediatrician so that proper treatment can be started.
How the treatment is done
It is recommended by the doctor that babies who have tear duct block receive a massage from their parents or guardians in the region of the inner corner of the eye 4 to 5 times a day to decrease the block. However, if inflammatory signs are observed, the use of antibiotic eye drops may be indicated by the pediatrician. The massages must be in the canal to be unblocked until the child's first year of life, otherwise, it may be necessary to perform a small surgical procedure to open the tear duct.
The otorhinolaryngologist and the ophthalmologist are the most suitable doctors to perform the surgery to unblock the tear duct. This surgical procedure is done with the aid of a small tube and the adult must be submitted to local anesthesia and the child to general.
