A blocked tear duct is when the small tube (nasolacrimal duct) that drains tears from the eyes is obstructed. This blockage prevents tears from flowing from the inside corner of the eye into the nose. Normally, lacrimal glands above the eyes produce tears to keep the eye moist. These tears spread over the eye’s surface and drain through the nasolacrimal duct into the nose. When the duct is blocked, tears cannot drain properly, leading to a tear duct blockage.
Causes Of Tear Duct Blockage
Congenital Blockage: Many babies are born with a blocked tear. It is common, affecting about 1 in 5 newborns. This issue often resolves on its own within a few weeks to months as the duct develops fully.
Developmental Issues: The blockage usually happens because the tear duct isn’t fully developed at birth. Rarely, it may be caused by abnormalities in the eyes or eyelids.
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Watery eyes: Tear glands do not produce tears in one or two weeks after birth. At first, there will not be watery eyes for the baby. After one or two weeks of birth, you may notice that one or both eyes become watery. If the baby is affected by the cold or if the weather is cool, the symptoms may get worse.
The affected eye may look sticky or crusted.
Dacryocystitis- Infection that occurs in the tear sac. The infection causes tears to flow from the inner corner of the eye to the nose, causing swelling and redness.
Mild redness of the eye, which may develop into conjunctivitis, which is usually not serious.
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If the infection is not cleared even after 12 months of age, then the doctor may refer to an eye specialist.
Treatment For Tear Duct Blockage
Tear duct blockage will be cleared once the tear duct develops completely. This may take a few weeks after birth and also several months in some babies.
To drain the tears: Massaging the tear duct could drain the tears and also help the tear duct to develop. Massage should be done very gently on the outside of the nose and then stroke downwards towards the tip of the nose. The response will be good for most babies with massaging, and no further treatment will be needed.
For sticky or crusty eyes: Gently wipe the eyes with gauze, and wet them slightly with sterile water.
To clear conjunctivitis: Sometimes antibiotic eye drops may be advised.
Dacryocystitis: Antibiotic medicine may be advised to clear the infection of the tear sac.
If watery eyes persist after 12 months: An eye specialist may advise a small procedure that includes passing a thin instrument into the tear duct to open up the duct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tear duct blockage occurs when the tear ducts, which normally drain tears from the eyes to the nose, are partially or fully blocked.
Tear duct blockage in babies is usually due to the ducts being narrow or not fully developed at birth.
Tear duct blockage typically does not cause pain or discomfort for the baby.
In many cases, tear duct blockage resolves on its own by the time the baby is 12 months old.
Pediatricians diagnose tear duct blockage through a physical examination of the eyes and observing the symptoms.
Yes, tear duct blockage can increase the risk of eye infections due to trapped tears and bacteria.
In rare cases of severe or untreated tear duct blockage, there may be a risk of complications that could affect eye health.