Blocked tear ducts

[Runmybathforme]

Anyone else suffer with this ? I’m absolutely fed up with it. The tears seep through my eye lids, as well as inner and outer corners. I never want to go for walks as the slightest chill in the weather makes it so much worse, and I’m constantly dabbing at my eyes. I’ve had my tear ducts ‘ blown through ‘ twice, no change. I know there’s an operation for this condition, has anyone had it done ? Feeling desperate.

Hi

Just to let you know you’re not alone! I was diagnosed with a blocked tear duct a few weeks ago after experiencing persistent watering down my cheek from one eye. I was told the only solution is an operation but not sure if I’m ready for that yet!

I understand how unpleasant it is, the most you can do is keep bathing your eyes so they don’t get infected and try massaging the duct gently.

Good luck!
Amanda x

I know if sounds daft, but eyes can often water if they're dry. Reflex watering can be triggered if there isn't enough moisture on the surface of the eyes.

I'd recommend getting some dry eye drops from the chemist and trying those before you go out. Systane and Theoloz Duo are both good.

I find this product really helps during a flare up

optase.com/?product

I'm also a fellow sufferer! I have one eye partially blocked, the other is totally blocked, so streams constantly. I was also told that the operation was the only cure, but after reading the leaflet i was given I really didn't fancy it as it sounds quite unpleasant. However, a year on I am reconsidering as it is driving me mad having a wet face all the time!

Fish oil capsules every day, even when not affected, a hot compress helps too, I have one of those gel masks that you put in the microwave

It does drive you mad and the constant watering makes me feel very self conscious! I keep reapplying a hydrating gel throughout the day and sometimes Eight Hour Cream to stop the soreness under my eye.

I can’t believe there are no alternatives other than an operation, which I agree seems quite off putting!

Sympathies to all of you, I wish there was something that would magically stop it - if I find it, I’ll let you all know! 😀

Amanda x

I also feel self conscious, I try and dab my eyes discreetly, but wonder if people think i'm constantly crying!

Interested in hearing more about the fish oil capsules, where do you get them, and what do they do?

I take cod liver oil and omega 3, the optician said my eye wasn’t oily enough so was over watering to compensate

That sounds great for dry eyes, unfortunately mine has definitely been diagnosed as a blocked duct after being syringed so I’ve been told an operation is the only hope 😕 x

@monkeyadjahey! I hope you don’t mind me messaging you. I have the exact same problem you had and have been fobbed off with ‘dry eye’ but it’s not that. My eye waters all day long, I can feel the tear duct enlarged on the bad eye and I just hate leaving the house as it’s making me bloody miserable. I’ve been to my GP, the optician (twice) and an ophthalmologist who said it was blepharitis and dry eye (it’s not). He told me to go away and take the drops he prescribed and I’d be fine after a month but it’s been 6 weeks now and no change. Please can you advise how you’re getting on and if you went for the operation? x

I'm not sure you are being fobbed off - it's pretty obviously if someone's drainage duct (called a puncta) is blocked. I referred someone today to have theirs looked at.
If the ophthalmologist and 2 opticians have said that it's blepharitis then it probably is.
What are you currently doing to treat the blepharitis and which type of blepharitis do you have?

Well good news, kind of…turns out I was wrongly diagnosed. Two new ophthalmologists later and I have finally been diagnosed with a blocked tear duct and I am booked in for the surgery! I am so glad I got a second and third opinion!