Blocked Tear Duct Diagnosis
Your ophthalmologist diagnoses a blocked tear duct using a number of tests, including a complete medical eye exam. He or she will discuss your medical history and thoroughly examine your eyes to check for other possible causes.
Your ophthalmologist will also use certain tests to examine the tear drainage system for blockage. A special fluid is flushed into the affected tear duct opening and, if the fluid cannot be tasted in the throat, a blocked tear duct is diagnosed.
Other tests may include an X-ray or CT scan of the tear duct area (called a dacryocystogram).