Does blocked tear duct require treatment?

Under normal circumstances, most cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction require treatment, while mild and asymptomatic cases may be temporarily observed. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If nasolacrimal duct obstruction is accompanied by obvious symptoms such as constant tearing, pus discharge from the inner corner of the eye, eyelid redness and swelling, or recurrent conjunctivitis or keratitis, timely treatment is necessary. Without intervention, prolonged accumulation of tears in the obstructed duct can promote bacterial growth, leading to worsening infections such as dacryocystitis, potentially causing more serious damage to ocular tissues and increasing treatment difficulty.

If the obstruction is mild, with occasional tearing only under specific conditions like exposure to cold wind, no other discomfort, and no risk of infection confirmed by examination, observation may be appropriate. In some infants, congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction may resolve spontaneously as they grow. Doctors may recommend regular follow-up examinations to monitor changes in the obstruction, without requiring immediate invasive treatment.

Once symptoms related to nasolacrimal duct obstruction are noticed, prompt medical evaluation should be conducted to determine the severity. During treatment, maintaining good eye hygiene and avoiding rubbing the eyes is essential. If symptoms worsen during the observation period, immediate re-evaluation and adjustment of the treatment plan are required.