Effects of Blocked Tear Ducts
When you have blocked tear ducts, your tears are not able to drain normally, leaving your eyes watery and irritated. This condition is caused by an obstruction within the tear drainage system, and is almost always correctable.
What Causes Watery Eyes?
Tears are naturally created by the lacrimal gland to lubricate the eyeball. When you blink, these tears are spread over the surface to keep it moist and healthy while excess lubrication is emptied into the tear duct and drained into your nose. With blocked tear ducts, your tears back up and spill over your eyelids as if you are crying. Over time, the constant overflow can cause a mucous discharge, eye irritation and painful swelling in the corners of the eye. Blockage can also cause an infection within the duct itself.