Sometimes the tears can drain out at very inappropriate times during social encounters. Why obstruction of the tear drainage system occurs is not well understood. There can be an association with sinus problems, and low grade infection of the system can lead to scarring and blockage. Certain medications can lead to scarring to the tear drainage symptoms. Rarely, tumor can obstruct the system.
Treatment is aimed at establishing a diagnosis and a probable cause for the obstruction.
Fluid irrigation of the system using a smooth tube can help to determine exactly where the system is blocked. Sometimes the nasal cavity needs to be examined to see if any blockage is present there. In some cases the use of steroid-antibiotic eyedrops with oral decongestants may help to open the system and relieve the tearing. Warm compresses applied to the inside corner of the eye may help as well. In cases where nothing seems to work, surgery can create a new opening for tears to drain into the nasal cavity.