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Conditions

Lacrimal disorders

Explore conditions affecting tear production and drainage, impacting eye health.
On this page:
What is?
Symptoms
CAUSES
TREATMENTS

What is the lacrimal system?

The lacrimal system consists of glands and ducts that allow the eye to produce and drain tears. Tears are vitally important to keeping the eye clean and lubricated. Lacrimal disorders can cause tears to be over or underproduced or affect the quality of tears – this can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and in some cases more serious complications.

Other lacrimal disorders, relating to the production and drainage of tears in the eyes includes conjunctivitis, stye, wet eye, milium.

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Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that encircles and protects the eyeball. The conjunctiva has many small blood vessels running through it. The purpose of the conjunctiva is to lubricate and protect the eye and to allow it to move in its socket. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the lining of the eye. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, chemicals, allergies and more.

The cause of styes is usually bacterial infection. They tend to be red and sore. They appear on the edge of the eyelid and due to the infection can fill with pus, causing pain and discomfort. Warm compresses can help promote drainage and healing. Antibiotic creams or drops may be prescribed if required.
Wet eye occurs when tears cannot be drained properly causing constantly watering eyes. The blockage may also cause a build-up of mucus in the nose, which can lead to infections. While infections can be treated with antibiotics, surgery is often needed to clear the blockage itself for lasting relief.
Millia (or milium) are small, white or yellowish bumps that commonly appear on the skin, usually around the eyes, cheeks, and nose. They are caused by trapped keratin (a protein) beneath the skin’s surface and are typically harmless. Treatment options include extraction by an ophthalmologist.
For any of the conditions above, it is advisable to seek advice from an ophthalmologist on treatment options. They can accurately diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause.

Causes

Lacrimal disorders, which affect the tear ducts and tear production, can have various causes. Some common causes of lacrimal disorders include blockages or obstructions in the tear ducts, inflammation of the tear ducts or glands, infections, trauma or injury to the eye or surrounding area, autoimmune conditions affecting the tear production, and age-related changes in tear production. Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications can also contribute to lacrimal disorders.
The main causes:
  • Blockages of tear ducts
  • Inflammation of the tear duct
  • Eye infections
  • Injury to eye

Treatments

The treatment for lacrimal disorders depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some common treatments for lacrimal disorders include:
Warm compresses can help relieve symptoms of inflammation and blockages in the tear ducts. Proper eyelid hygiene can also help prevent infections and improve tear drainage.

In cases of infections or inflammation, topical or oral medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to manage the symptoms.

For blocked tear ducts, a healthcare provider may perform tear duct probing or irrigation to clear the obstruction and improve tear drainage.
In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical procedures like DCR may be recommended to create a new drainage pathway for tears to bypass the blocked tear duct.

The puncta (tear duct openings) may be temporarily or permanently closed to help retain tears on the eye surface and alleviate dry eye symptoms.

If lacrimal disorders are associated with underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders, the treatment plan may involve managing the primary condition to improve tear production and drainage.

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