Tear Duct Surgery & Blocked Tear Ducts: Expert Care at EyeFACE Institute, Toronto

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Tears are more than a symbol of emotion—they are essential for eye comfort, clarity, and overall ocular health. When the tear drainage system becomes blocked, everyday activities like reading, working at a computer, or even walking outdoors can become uncomfortable and frustrating. Fortunately, tear duct surgery offers a highly effective solution for individuals experiencing persistent tearing, irritation, or chronic infections due to blocked tear ducts.

At EyeFACE Institute in Toronto, tear duct surgery is performed with meticulous care, advanced surgical techniques, and a patient-centered approach rooted in medical expertise. As Canada’s premier facial and eye specialty practice, EyeFACE Institute combines deep anatomical knowledge with a holistic view of eye health and facial balance—ensuring results that improve function, comfort, and quality of life.

What Are Blocked Tear Ducts?

The tear drainage system plays a critical role in eye health. After tears lubricate and protect the surface of the eye, they normally drain through tiny openings in the inner corner of the eyelids (puncta), travel through thin channels (canaliculi), and enter the nasolacrimal duct before emptying into the nose. This system ensures that tear flow is balanced.

A blocked tear duct occurs when any part of this drainage system becomes obstructed. This prevents tears from draining properly, causing them to overflow onto the cheeks—a condition known as epiphora. Blocked tear ducts may lead to:

Excessive tearing
Eye irritation and redness
Crusting around the eyes
Recurrent eye infections
Blurry vision

Blocked tear ducts can occur at any age, but they are especially common in infants (congenital blockage) or older adults due to age-related changes, inflammation, trauma, or previous surgery.

Why Tear Duct Surgery May Be Necessary

When conservative measures like warm compresses, massage, antibiotics, or probing fail to alleviate symptoms, surgical intervention may be the most effective option. Tears that cannot drain properly can cause chronic discomfort and make everyday life more challenging.

Tear duct surgery aims to restore proper drainage, relieve symptoms, and prevent recurrent inflammation or infection. By reconstructing or bypassing the obstructed portion of the tear drainage system, surgeons can significantly improve tear flow and eye comfort.

At EyeFACE Institute, tear duct surgery is performed by specialists who understand both the function and the aesthetic importance of the periocular area, ensuring that results are effective, safe, and harmonious with your facial features.

Types of Tear Duct Surgery

The specific surgical approach depends on the location and severity of the blockage. At EyeFACE Institute, surgeons customize treatment to meet each patient’s unique anatomy and needs. Common types of tear duct surgical treatments include:

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

Dacryocystorhinostomy is the most common surgery for treating blocked nasolacrimal ducts. This procedure creates a new drainage pathway between the tear sac and the nasal cavity, bypassing the obstruction. DCR can be performed externally through a small incision near the nose or endoscopically through the nasal passages without visible scars.

Canaliculodacryocystostomy (CDCR)

When the initial tear drainage channels (canaliculi) are blocked or damaged, a CDCR may be recommended. In this surgery, a specialized tube (e.g., a Jones tube) is placed to facilitate tear drainage directly from the eye into the nasal cavity.

Probing and Irrigation

For some patients—especially infants or those with very mild blockages—probing and irrigation of the tear ducts can clear obstructions without the need for more extensive surgery.

Your EyeFACE Institute surgeon will determine the most effective option based on a detailed evaluation of your tear drainage anatomy and symptoms.

Why Choose EyeFACE Institute for Tear Duct Surgery in Toronto?

Choosing the right surgeon is essential for optimal results in tear duct surgery. EyeFACE Institute stands out for several reasons:

Specialized Focus on Eyes and Face

Unlike general cosmetic or eye clinics, EyeFACE Institute specializes exclusively in treatments involving the eyes and face. This dedicated focus means your surgeon has deep expertise in the intricate anatomy of the eyelids, tear drainage system, and surrounding structures.

Multidisciplinary Expert Team

The Institute brings together oculoplastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and functional medicine providers working collaboratively to ensure comprehensive care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that tear duct surgery improves not only drainage but also eye comfort and facial harmony.

Personalized Consultation and Planning

Every patient begins with a thorough consultation in which the surgeon assesses:

Severity and location of the blockage
Eyelid and punctal anatomy
Overall eye health and tear production
Any contributing conditions (such as inflammation or previous trauma)

This thoughtful evaluation allows EyeFACE Institute to create a tailored surgical plan that aligns with your functional needs and aesthetic goals.

Accredited Surgical Facility

All tear duct surgeries are performed in EyeFACE Institute’s fully accredited surgical facility in Toronto. This modern medical environment ensures safety, precision, and comfort throughout the surgical experience.

The Tear Duct Surgery Experience

Before Surgery

During your consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, perform a detailed eye exam, and may use imaging or diagnostic tests to pinpoint the obstruction. Based on this assessment, the surgeon will recommend the most effective surgical approach.

You’ll also receive information about anesthesia options, recovery expectations, and potential risks—ensuring you feel fully informed and prepared.

During Surgery

Tear duct surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the procedure and your comfort. The specifics of the surgery vary based on the blockage and chosen technique.

For example:

In DCR, the surgeon creates a new drainage opening, often using small incisions or endoscopic instruments.
In CDCR, a small tube is placed to bypass the blocked canaliculi.

The goal in every case is to reestablish tear drainage with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

Recovery and Aftercare

After surgery, patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the eyes and nose. These effects are generally temporary and resolve over the first few weeks.

Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions, which may include:

Gentle cleaning of the operated area
Avoiding strenuous activity for a period of time
Using prescribed eye drops or ointments
Follow-up appointments to monitor healing

Most patients return to normal daily routines within days to weeks, depending on the type of surgery and individual healing response.

Benefits of Tear Duct Surgery

Tear duct surgery offers both functional and quality-of-life benefits, including:

Restored Tear Drainage

By reopening or bypassing the blocked tear pathway, surgery allows tears to drain properly, reducing annoying tearing and overflow.

Reduced Irritation and Infection

Chronic tearing can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to frequent infections or conjunctivitis. Improving tear drainage helps lower these risks.

Improved Comfort

Excessive tearing and irritation can affect activities like reading, driving, or screen use. Many patients experience significant relief and increased comfort after surgery.

Enhanced Facial Balance

EyeFACE Institute’s expertise ensures that surgical results maintain natural facial harmony—balancing form and function for a refreshed, comfortable appearance.

Is Tear Duct Surgery Right for You?

You may be a candidate for tear duct surgery if you:

Experience persistent tearing that interferes with daily life
Have recurrent eye infections or redness
Feel constant irritation or crusting around the eyes
Have been diagnosed with a blocked tear duct that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments

A personalized evaluation at EyeFACE Institute will confirm whether surgery is the most appropriate and effective option for your condition.

EyeFACE Institute: Your Trusted Partner in Tear Duct Care

Blocked tear ducts can affect comfort, vision clarity, and confidence, but they don’t have to be a lifelong burden. At EyeFACE Institute in Toronto, patients receive expert evaluation, customized surgical planning, and compassionate care designed to restore proper tear function and improve quality of life.

With a specialized focus on the eyes and face, a multidisciplinary team of experts, and a fully accredited surgical facility, EyeFACE Institute is a trusted destination for tear duct surgery and comprehensive eye-related care.

If you’re experiencing persistent tearing or symptoms of a blocked tear duct, a consultation at EyeFACE Institute could be your first step toward lasting relief and improved eye comfort.