Introduction and objective:

To carry out a update review on the current diagnoses and therapeutic indications of tear duct obstruction (NLO) and propose a simple, early and practical clinical management.

Method:

Review of published literature regarding NLO and the current way of approaching this pathology.

Results:

The alteration of the natural tear flow (epiphora) may have a functional or anatomical origin. Functional obstructions are secondary to the failure of the tear pump, while the anatomical obstruction is caused by a physical obstacle along the tear duct that prevents drainage in the nasal cavity. Pseudoepiphora (tearing), on the other hand, is secondary to the presence of pathology of the ocular surface (dry eye) or secondary to mechanical, chemical, infectious or psychic stimuli. Up to 40% of patients referred to ophthalmology consultations for tearing / epiphora, have a dry eye with tear reflex, without anatomical obstruction of the tear duct.

Conclusions:

Tearing is one of the most frequent symptoms in ophthalmology consultations. However, the etiological factors that can lead to this complaint are very numerous. A multidisciplinary study (ophthalmology and ENT) is essential to make a correct etiological diagnosis. The success of tear surgery lies in a correct surgical indication.

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