Ageing – as we get older, the tear duct openings may get narrower
Inflammation
Eye injury
Tumors
In some cases, newborn babies may be born with unopened tear ducts
Blocked tear ducts can affect your quality of life. You must get them treated, especially if you have other eye conditions. Luckily, the condition is treatable. The exact treatment will depend on what caused the blocked tear duct.
It could include:
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a very common procedure. Medications and massage may be able to treat the underlying causes, but not fix the block. That is why surgery is the only way to treat the tear duct block completely. Reopening the tear duct is possible with this surgery. The surgery will be carried out under anesthetic so you will not feel anything.
Eyelid drooping (Ptosis) is when the upper eyelid droops over the eye. Symptoms include an abnormally low eyelid that doesn't impair vision. Drooping can be so severe that it covers the eye and blocks vision in severe cases. The most common type of eyelid droop is congenital. Normally, it appears at birth. Babies can be born with ptosis if their eyelid muscles are too weak to hold their eyelids open. Drooping of the upper eyelids is most commonly caused by aging. With time, the muscles of the eyelid can weaken, causing the lids to droop.
Both congenital and acquired eyelid droop are commonly caused by weak eyelid muscles.
Risk factors include:
Old age (for acquired eyelid droop)
Injury
Surgery
Muscular disease
Neurological disease
If your child has congenital eyelid droop, get their eyes checked by an eye doctor for other disorders. In some cases, ptosis may be linked to other eye conditions.
As we age, the tissues holding the lower eyelids in place begin to loosen. This can be caused by trauma, surgery, medication side effects, and certain medical conditions including sleep apnea, skin cancer and Bells palsy. It can worsen with rubbing, smoking and side or face sleeping. This can lead to an eyelid that droops, turns outward (called Ectropion), or turns inward (called Entropion) toward the eye. A poorly positioned lower eyelid can lead to irritation, tearing and even damage of the ocular surface and may need repair.
Ectropion occurs when the lower eyelid turns outward and no longer hugs the surface eye. The conjunctiva can become exposed, red and irritated. The cornea can become irritated, scratched or even scarred, affecting the quality of your vision. Finally, the tear duct can turn away from the tear lake as the lid loosens, leading to tearing. Ectropion can affect one or both of the lower eyelids.
Relaxation of eyelid tissues due to aging
Chronic rubbing during the day or while sleeping
Skin damage from sun and/or smoking
Eyelid or facial surgery for cosmetic or functional concerns
Skin cancer
Trauma
Facial nerve palsy
Excessive tearing
Mucus discharge
Impaired vision
Redness
Ocular surface irritation and itching
Sagging skin around the eye
Sensitivity to light and wind
Artificial tears and lubricating ointments can be used to moisten the ocular surface to provide some relief. However, when symptoms do not respond to simple measures or if corneal scarring becomes a concern, surgery will be recommended to address ectropion.
Entropion occurs when the lower eyelid and eyelashes turn inward towards the eye causing the eyelid and lashes to rub against the cornea and conjunctiva. This can lead to severe ocular surface irritation and early corneal scarring. As corneal scarring can lead to vision loss, surgical correction of entropion is generally recommended.
Relaxation of eyelid tissues due to aging
Chronic rubbing during the day or while sleeping
Scarring on the inner surface of the eyelid
Trauma
Eyelid or facial surgery for cosmetic or functional concerns
Excessive tearing
Mucus discharge
Ocular surface irritation and itching
Impaired vision
Redness
Sensitivity to light and wind
As with ectropion, artificial tears and lubricating ointments can be used to moisten the ocular surface to provide some temporary relief. Alternatively, tape or sutures can be used to reposition the eyelid and protect the eye temporarily. If entropion does not resolve quickly, you might be prescribed a surgical plan to repair the eyelid position and protect your ocular surface. If you believe you are experiencing eyelid malposition, it is best to see your eye care physician immediately for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
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