Question: My eye has been tearing constantly. I had my tear duct flushed and it isn’t that. Now I have a bump between corner of my eye and bridge of my nose. I went to and eye specialist and he is sending me for a CT to rule out Sinus tumor or Lacminal Tumor. Is this just a blocked tear duct?
Answer: Thanks for your question. Please realize that this cannot substitute for your own physician’s care and can only be answered in general, not about your specific medical care.
A blocked tear duct (nasal-lacrimal ducts) is quite common- The tear duct carries tears from the inner corner of the eye to the side wall of the nose- Most often a tear duct blockage is caused by a stricture or narrowing of this tube. However, the tube can also be blocked by nasal obstruction. From polyps in the nose or significant nasal congestion- and rarely from a growth in the duct system itself. Your doctor proceded as is recommended- and intervention would be based on what the cause of the obstruction is. Usually these problems are handled by an ophthalmologist, although we at the NY Sinus Center take care of such problems when caused by nasal obstruction- or at times open the nasal lacrimal duct through the nose when indicated.
I would not be scared, as dangerous pathology is unusual- but make sure to follow up on your care.
Robert Pincus MD
NY Sinus Center/ NY Otolaryngology Group
Frequently Asked Questions
A blocked tear duct is commonly caused by a narrowing or stricture of the nasal-lacrimal duct, which carries tears from the inner corner of the eye to the side wall of the nose. It can also be caused by nasal obstructions such as nasal polyps or significant congestion, and rarely, by growths within the duct system itself.
Yes, a blocked tear duct may cause swelling or a bump near the inner corner of the eye and the bridge of the nose. However, it is important to rule out other causes, including tumors or infections, which is why your doctor may order imaging tests like a CT scan.
A CT scan can be helpful to rule out serious causes such as sinus tumors or lacrimal gland tumors when a bump or lump develops near the eye. Your specialist may recommend this imaging to ensure an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.
Blocked tear ducts are most often managed by ophthalmologists. However, when the blockage is caused by nasal obstruction, specialists like those at the NY Sinus Center or otolaryngologists can provide treatment, including procedures to open the nasal-lacrimal duct through the nose if needed.
A blocked tear duct is generally not considered dangerous and is quite common. While it can cause discomfort and tearing, serious pathology such as tumors is unusual. Still, it is important to follow up with medical professionals to confirm the diagnosis and receive appropriate care.
Yes, nasal conditions like polyps or severe nasal congestion can lead to blockage of the tear duct by obstructing the nasal-lacrimal duct pathway. Treating the underlying nasal problem may help relieve the tear duct obstruction.
