Blocked Tear Duct

An eye care specialist or healthcare provider can usually diagnose a blocked tear duct based on your symptoms and by inspecting or feeling around your eye and tear duct. They’ll also ask you about your symptoms. If your baby might have a blocked tear duct, they can also check for this or do certain tests to look for a blockage.

One simple test they can do is called the “dye disappearance test.” To do it, a provider adds a drop of a special dye called fluorescein to your eye. Fluorescein glows under a blue light, so a provider can put a single drop of it into saline and then put the saline into your eye. After five minutes, they can check with a black light and see if any dye remains. If it’s still there, that can indicate you have a total or partial tear duct blockage.

Other tests are also possible, especially if your healthcare provider suspects that a blocked tear duct might be happening because of another condition or issue. The tests they recommend depend on your symptoms, circumstances and what condition they suspect could be the cause.

Because so many factors can play a role, it’s best to talk with them about the testing options. They can provide information that’s specific and relevant to your particular situation.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.