Trauma to the tear ducts refers to injuries to the channels or structures that drain tears from the eye to the nose. These tear ducts, made up of canals and sacs, play a crucial role in tear function, keeping the eyes moist, clean, and free from irritants.

Trauma to the tear ducts can occur for various reasons, including:

  • Cop o impacte a la zona de l’òrbita o el nas: Això pot ser causat per un accident de trànsit, una caiguda, un objecte que colpeja l’ull o la cara, o fins i tot per practicar esports de contacte.
  • Cirurgia facial: Certs procediments quirúrgics a la cara, com ara una cirurgia sinusal o una correcció òssia facial, poden danyar accidentalment les vies llagrimals.
  • Infeccions: Infeccions greus a les vies llagrimals o a l’ull també poden provocar lesions en aquestes estructures.

Simptomatologia

Symptoms of a tear duct injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the structures affected. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Inflamació i envermelliment de la zona al voltant de l’ull
  • Dolor a l’ull o a la cara
  • Llagrimeig excessiu o epifora
  • Secreció ocular espessa o mucoide
  • Sensació de sequedat o sorra a l’ull
  • Dificultat per parpellejar
  • Visió borrosa
  • Sensibilitat a la llum

Tipus de lesions

Types of injuries to the tear ducts can range from a simple hematoma or bruise in the orbital area to more severe damage, such as:

  • Laceracions o ruptures dels canals llagrimals
  • Obstruccions dels conductes llagrimals
  • Fractures dels ossos facials que afecten les vies llagrimals

Diagnòstic i tractament

To make an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive ophthalmological examination is performed, which includes careful observation of the eye and eyelids, tests for tear flow, and, in some cases, imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The treatment of trauma to the tear ducts will depend on the severity and type of injury. In mild cases, applying cold compresses, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and using artificial tears may be sufficient. However, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the injuries or reconstruct the damaged tear ducts.