The signs of a blocked tear duct are usually visible. Keep an eye out for:
Tears are normally produced to lubricate and protect the eye. Excess tears drain through tiny openings (puncta) in the inner corners of the eyelids, travel down the (a small tube that runs from the eye to the nose), and exit through the nostrils. When this duct is blocked, tears overflow onto the face—a condition called epiphora .
To understand the problem, it helps to understand the anatomy. Cats have a nasolacrimal system—a drainage system similar to humans. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands to lubricate the eye. Normally, these tears drain through two small openings (puncta) located in the upper and lower eyelids near the nose. From there, tears travel through the nasolacrimal duct and empty into the nose and back of the throat. clogged tear duct in cats
Minimize dust from litter or strong fragrances that increase tear production.
A veterinarian will perform:
A clogged tear duct in , medically known as , occurs when the natural drainage system for tears becomes blocked. This leads to a backup of fluid that overflows onto the face, a condition called epiphora .
Shallow eye sockets cause tears to spill over the lid before they can reach the drain. 2. Inflammation and Infection The signs of a blocked tear duct are usually visible
Swelling of the pink tissue around the eye can physically block the duct opening. 3. Obstructions
While the cat is sedated, a small catheter is used to gently push sterile saline through the duct to clear debris. Treatment Options When this duct is blocked, tears overflow onto
Reddish-brown streaks (porphyrin staining) under the inner corners of the eyes.