- posted: Jan. 12, 2026
Most of us only think about our tears when we are emotional or dealing with allergies. However, your eyes are constantly producing tears to stay lubricated, clear away debris, and maintain clear vision. This system works like a sink: the lacrimal glands "turn on the faucet" to produce tears, and the tear ducts (nasolacrimal ducts) act as the "drain" in the inner corner of your eyelids, carrying fluid down into the nose. When this drain becomes obstructed, the "sink" overflows, leading to constant watering and a host of other uncomfortable symptoms. Dr. Chad Haller, MD, at Ophthalmology Associates of Queens in Astoria, NY, can diagnose these obstructions and perform corrective lacrimal duct surgery when conservative treatments are no longer enough.
Common Signs of a Blocked Tear Duct
A blocked tear duct (dacryostenosis) can occur at any age, though it is most common in infants and older adults. If the drainage system is narrowed or completely closed, you may notice:
- Excessive Tearing (Epiphora): Tears frequently well up and roll down your cheek even when you aren't crying.
- Recurrent Eye Infections: Because the tears are stagnant rather than draining, bacteria can grow in the tear sac, leading to frequent bouts of "pink eye" (conjunctivitis).
- Painful Swelling: You may notice a tender, red bump in the inner corner of the eye near the nose.
- Discharge or Crusting: Mucus or pus may accumulate on the eyelids, often making them feel "glued shut" in the morning.
- Blurred Vision: The constant film of excess fluid over the eye can interfere with your ability to see clearly.
When is Lacrimal Duct Surgery Necessary?
In many cases, especially in infants, a blocked duct may resolve on its own with specialized massage or warm compresses. However, for adults or for children with persistent obstructions, surgical intervention is often the only way to restore proper drainage and prevent chronic infection.
Dr. Haller may recommend lacrimal duct surgery (specifically a procedure called Dacryocystorhinostomy, or DCR) if you experience:
- Chronic Dacryocystitis: This is a recurring, painful infection of the tear sac that does not stay cleared with antibiotics.
- Significant Impact on Quality of Life: If constant tearing interferes with your ability to drive, read, or work.
- Structural Blockage: If the duct is blocked due to an injury, a nasal polyp, or age-related narrowing that cannot be opened with simple probing or stenting.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The goal of lacrimal duct surgery is to create a new pathway for tears to drain into the nose, bypassing the obstruction. Modern techniques at our Astoria, NY, office have made this procedure highly effective and significantly less invasive than in the past. Depending on your specific anatomy, Dr. Haller may use a small stent to keep the new channel open during the healing process. Most patients find that their chronic watering and infection issues are resolved immediately following recovery.
Ready to stop the constant tearing?
Living with the constant irritation of a blocked tear duct can be more than just a nuisance; it can put your eye health at risk. At Astoria’s Ophthalmology Associates of Queens, we use advanced diagnostic tools to find exactly where your drainage system is failing and provide the specialized surgical care needed to fix it.
If you are tired of dealing with watery eyes and recurrent infections, it's time to evaluate your drainage system. Dr. Haller and our team are here to help you see and feel more clearly.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Haller to discuss if lacrimal duct surgery is the right solution for you by calling (718) 728-0224.
- posted: Jan. 12, 2026
Most of us only think about our tears when we are emotional or dealing with allergies. However, your eyes are constantly producing tears to stay lubricated, clear away debris, and maintain clear vision. This system works like a sink: the lacrimal glands "turn on the faucet" to produce tears, and the tear ducts (nasolacrimal ducts) act as the "drain" in the inner corner of your eyelids, carrying fluid down into the nose. When this drain becomes obstructed, the "sink" overflows, leading to constant watering and a host of other uncomfortable symptoms. Dr. Chad Haller, MD, at Ophthalmology Associates of Queens in Astoria, NY, can diagnose these obstructions and perform corrective lacrimal duct surgery when conservative treatments are no longer enough.
Common Signs of a Blocked Tear Duct
A blocked tear duct (dacryostenosis) can occur at any age, though it is most common in infants and older adults. If the drainage system is narrowed or completely closed, you may notice:
- Excessive Tearing (Epiphora): Tears frequently well up and roll down your cheek even when you aren't crying.
- Recurrent Eye Infections: Because the tears are stagnant rather than draining, bacteria can grow in the tear sac, leading to frequent bouts of "pink eye" (conjunctivitis).
- Painful Swelling: You may notice a tender, red bump in the inner corner of the eye near the nose.
- Discharge or Crusting: Mucus or pus may accumulate on the eyelids, often making them feel "glued shut" in the morning.
- Blurred Vision: The constant film of excess fluid over the eye can interfere with your ability to see clearly.
When is Lacrimal Duct Surgery Necessary?
In many cases, especially in infants, a blocked duct may resolve on its own with specialized massage or warm compresses. However, for adults or for children with persistent obstructions, surgical intervention is often the only way to restore proper drainage and prevent chronic infection.
Dr. Haller may recommend lacrimal duct surgery (specifically a procedure called Dacryocystorhinostomy, or DCR) if you experience:
- Chronic Dacryocystitis: This is a recurring, painful infection of the tear sac that does not stay cleared with antibiotics.
- Significant Impact on Quality of Life: If constant tearing interferes with your ability to drive, read, or work.
- Structural Blockage: If the duct is blocked due to an injury, a nasal polyp, or age-related narrowing that cannot be opened with simple probing or stenting.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The goal of lacrimal duct surgery is to create a new pathway for tears to drain into the nose, bypassing the obstruction. Modern techniques at our Astoria, NY, office have made this procedure highly effective and significantly less invasive than in the past. Depending on your specific anatomy, Dr. Haller may use a small stent to keep the new channel open during the healing process. Most patients find that their chronic watering and infection issues are resolved immediately following recovery.
Ready to stop the constant tearing?
Living with the constant irritation of a blocked tear duct can be more than just a nuisance; it can put your eye health at risk. At Astoria’s Ophthalmology Associates of Queens, we use advanced diagnostic tools to find exactly where your drainage system is failing and provide the specialized surgical care needed to fix it.
If you are tired of dealing with watery eyes and recurrent infections, it's time to evaluate your drainage system. Dr. Haller and our team are here to help you see and feel more clearly.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Haller to discuss if lacrimal duct surgery is the right solution for you by calling (718) 728-0224.