Blocked tear ducts are common in babies, affecting up to 5-6% of all infants. It can be a nuisance, but it is benign and almost always goes away by itself without any treatment. It is present at birth, but since most babies do not make many tears until they are several weeks old, the symptoms do not usually appear until then.
Symptoms
- Watery eye or eyes; the tears overflow onto the skin most of the time.
- There may be some crusting in the corners after sleeping.
- No eye redness and no yellow or thick discharge.
- No eyelid swelling.
Clinical course
The condition is caused by a blockage of the nasolacrimal duct, the duct that conducts tears from the eye to the nose. No one knows what causes it. It usually is first noticed around 3-6 weeks of age. The eye will appear wet, with tears overflowing onto the cheek. It usually goes away by itself, in most cases by 9-12 months of age. If it has not resolved by 12 months of age, an ophthalmologist can perform a procedure to open the duct surgically, though this is rarely necessary.
There is a slightly higher risk of eye infection with a blocked tear duct. If the whites of the eyes become red, there is yellow discharge, or there is swelling of the inner corner of the eyelid, then your child should see a doctor because antibiotic drops or ointment is probably necessary.
Treatment
- Treatment is controversial. Many physicians feel that no treatment is necessary or helpful. Simply wipe the eyes as necessary to dry the drainage.
- Some believe that massaging the duct is helpful. Start at the inner corner of the eyelid and press upward. You can use a cotton swab or your finger. Wash your hands before massaging the duct and be sure to be gentle as you massage it. You may see some fluid come out of the opening in the corner of the eye.
- Others believe that the duct should be massaged in a downward direction towards the nose.
