Many people are unaware of the complexity of eye ducts. They are often regarded as only being responsible for your tears, but they are essential to the overall function of your eye. Specifically, tear ducts are responsible for keeping your eyes clean, moist, and free from unwanted debris. Issues with your tear ducts can clearly impede this function and cause irritation and discomfort, but you may wonder, can tear duct issues cause vision loss? In this article, In Focus Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery will answer the question.
Can Tear Duct Issues Cause Vision Loss?
Tear duct issues can cause several unwanted symptoms, including includes both discomfort and irritation. While tear duct issues do not commonly cause total vision loss, these issues can cause minor vision complications. This is why tear duct treatment is necessary. It can address your current issues and prevent more severe issues from occurring. Below are some of the common complications that can lead to vision loss caused by tear duct issues.
Infection and Inflammation
An untreated infection in your tear duct can spread to other areas. If severe and left untreated for long enough, it can lead to eye inflammation. Inflammation in your eyes can, in turn, cause swelling that interferes with your vision. While uncommon, the infection can spread to other parts of your eye. In severe cases, such infection can lead to vision loss.
Corneal Damage
Blocked tear ducts can cause persistent eye infections and excessive dryness. Both of these can lead to corneal damage. Specifically, this can occur because the tear film—a natural layer of water, oil, and mucus that coats the surface of the eyes—does not adequately lubricate them. This lack of moisture affects the cornea, which is responsible for helping the eyes focus light and provide clear vision. Corneal damage can cause severe vision problems if left unaddressed.
Blurry Vision
Overactive tear ducts can cause your eyes to water uncontrollably, a condition referred to as epiphora. When excess tears are present in the eyes, vision can become blurry and warped. In this way, excessive tearing is both visually and physically distracting and can get in the way of simple day-to-day activities. For instance, blurry vision caused by excess tears is dangerous if you drive and can overcomplicate tasks like reading or working. Treatment from an eyelid specialist is necessary to address excess tearing and fully restore your vision.
Tear Duct Treatment
If you experience issues with your tear ducts, early intervention is key. It can reduce your risk of further harm. There are several treatment options to address the issue, but the specific treatment you undergo depends on the severity of the issue.
Mild Tear Duct Issues
Mild issues with your tear ducts benefit from conservative treatment options. This may include antibiotics if you have an infection or minor blockage. These often come in the form of oral antibiotics or eye drops. A warm compress can also benefit tear duct issues if the issue is a mild block because warmth can help open the tear ducts and relieve the issue. Before doing anything on your own, talk to a skilled eyelid specialist. They can assess the issue and provide you with an effective treatment plan.
Severe Tear Duct Issues
If you are dealing with severe tear duct blockage, surgery may be necessary. Mild blockages can be addressed with a simple procedure, typically dilating the duct to remove the obstruction, or an at-home remedy. More severe blockages require dacryocystorhinostomy (“DCR”) surgery. A DCR surgery creates a new pathway to allow your tears to effectively drain. This bypasses the blockage entirely to ensure your overall eye health. Working with an experienced surgeon is necessary to ensure you get the treatment that is best for you.
Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
If you have issues with your tear ducts, contact the team at InFocus Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.