MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Tear duct blockage

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Tear duct blockage

Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland located in the upper outer portion of each eye. Tears drain down and cascade over the eye. Tears then drain into the tear ducts and down into the nasolacrimal duct located on the inner portion of each eye. Tears will accumulate and overflow onto the cheek if there is an excessive amount of tears produced such as in emotional crying, or if the duct is blocked.

Update Date: 8/8/2006

Updated by: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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