We usually think of tears as a response to emotion, but in reality, your eyes are bathed in a steady stream of them 24/7. This tear film keeps your eyes lubricated, healthy, and sharp. Normally, after sweeping across the eye, excess tears drain away through tiny channels (canaliculi) into a central sac (the lacrimal sac) and then down the nasolacrimal duct into your nose. That’s why you get a runny nose when you cry.
But what happens when that drain gets clogged? You’re left with watery, irritated eyes, sticky discharge, and sometimes even blurred vision. This is a blocked tear duct (dacryostenosis). how to get rid of a blocked tear duct
This is the modern, less-invasive hero. A tiny balloon catheter is inserted into the blocked duct. The balloon is inflated for 60-90 seconds, gently stretching the narrowed passage open. It’s quick, has a high success rate for certain types of blockages, and avoids incisions. We usually think of tears as a response
The solution depends entirely on who has the blockage: an infant or an adult. In newborns, blocked tear ducts are incredibly common—affecting up to 20% of babies. The duct is often just narrow or has a thin, persistent membrane over the opening. Fortunately, most cases resolve on their own by the first birthday. That’s why you get a runny nose when you cry