Blocked Tear Duct: Frequently Asked Questions

Obstruction of the tear duct will cause tearing or watering of the eye because the tears cannot drain properly. Symptoms of a blocked tear duct include eyelashes that are stuck together by mucus or an accumulation of tears in one or both eyes. The tears trapped within the duct may become infected, causing a painful swelling in the inner corner of the eyelid. In infants the membrane that causes the obstruction will usually open by six months of age. ...

Usually no treatment is needed for a blocked tear duct in a baby. It usually clears up on its own by the time the baby is 1 year old. Keeping the baby's eyes clean to prevent infection until the duct opens may be all that you need to do. The primary treatment is gentle cleansing of the lids with a warm wet washcloth. Use a clean portion of the washcloth with each pass. This should be accompanied by a regimen of firm nasolacrimal duct massage, usually 2 or 3 times a day. ...

Babies who have blocked tear ducts usually have symptoms the first few days to the first few weeks after birth. Symptoms often affect only one eye, but may affect both eyes, and usually include: Excessive tears, ranging from the eye appearing wet to tears running down the cheek (epiphora). Buildup of yellowish-white mucus drainage at the inner corner of the eye and on the lashes. Swelling and redness of the eyelids and irritation of the surrounding skin. ...

Lacrimal ducts around the eyes are commonly known as tear ducts. These ducts are responsible for tearing, which allow us not only to cry but to keep our eyes moist and protect them from irritation. Sometimes a tear duct will become blocked, causing a drainage problem in which excessive tearing occurs because the natural drainage through the sinuses is not occurring. You sometimes see this in infants and young children, but it also occurs in adults. If an infection is present, medication will be used to treat it. ...

If one or both eyes of the baby appears to water continuously over a period of several days or if there is mucus like discharge, swelling or redness, he or she might be having a blocked duct. The baby may also be experiencing eye discomfort or pain.

Tears normally drain from the eye through small tubes called tear ducts that stretch from the eye into the nose. A blocked tear duct occurs when the opening of the duct that normally allows tears to drain from the eyes is obstructed or fails to open properly. If a tear duct remains blocked, the tear duct sac fills with fluid and may become swollen and inflamed , and sometimes infected. Blocked tear ducts are thought to occur in about 30% of newborns. However, noticeable symptoms are present in only 2% to 4% of newborns. ...

In babies, the most common cause of a blocked tear duct is the failure of the thin tissue at the end of the tear duct to open normally at or near birth. Other less common causes of blocked tear ducts in children include: Infections. Abnormal growth of the nasal bone that puts pressure on a tear duct and closes it off. Closed or undeveloped openings in the corners of the eyes (puncta) where tears drain into the tear ducts. ...

A blocked tear duct is diagnosed based on a medical history and a physical exam. Additional tests may be used to measure tear production, to see whether tears are draining normally from the eyes into the nose to determine where a blockage is located, or to help determine the cause of the blockage.