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Seeing your baby’s eyes filled with tears, even when they’re not crying, can be worrying for parents. If your little one has watery eyes, discharge, or tears running down their cheeks often, they might have a blocked tear duct. This condition is common in newborns and usually resolves on its own, but in some cases, medical treatment may be needed.
In this blog, we’ll explain what blocked tear ducts are, their symptoms, causes, and how they can be treated.
What Are Blocked Tear Ducts?
Tear ducts, also called nasolacrimal ducts, are tiny tubes that drain tears from the eyes into the nose. When these ducts are blocked, tears can’t drain properly, leading to excessive tearing, discharge, and eye irritation.
This condition, known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction, affects about 5–10% of newborns. Most of the time, it clears up on its own by the time the baby is one year old, but in some cases, medical intervention may be needed.
Symptoms of Blocked Tear Ducts in Babies
A baby with a blocked tear duct may show the following symptoms:
1. Excessive Tearing
Your baby’s eyes may constantly look watery, even when they’re not crying. Tears may spill over onto their cheeks because they have nowhere to drain.
2. Eye Discharge (Mucus or Pus-like Fluid)
You might notice yellow or white sticky discharge in the corners of your baby’s eye, especially after naps. This happens because tears collect in the eye and attract bacteria, leading to mild infections.
3. Redness or Irritation Around the Eye
The skin around your baby’s eyes may become red or irritated due to constant dampness from overflowing tears.
4. Crusting on the Eyelids
The discharge from the eye can dry and form a crust on your baby’s eyelashes or eyelids, making it difficult for them to open their eyes, especially after sleeping.
5. One-Sided Symptoms
In most cases, only one eye is affected, but sometimes, both tear ducts can be blocked.
These symptoms may worsen in cold weather, wind, or after exposure to dust because these factors can make the tear ducts more sensitive.
What Causes Blocked Tear Ducts in Babies?
Blocked tear ducts in newborns usually happen because the tear drainage system is not fully developed at birth. Some of the common causes include:
Incomplete Tear Duct Development: The ducts may be too narrow or not fully open at birth, preventing proper drainage.
Membrane Covering the Duct: Sometimes, a thin tissue remains over the opening of the tear duct, blocking it.
Infection or Inflammation: Swelling from an eye infection can make the blockage worse.
Tear Duct Abnormalities: In rare cases, structural issues with the tear ducts can cause a long-term blockage.
How to Treat Blocked Tear Ducts in Babies
Most blocked tear ducts clear up on their own within the first year of life. However, there are steps you can take at home to help your baby’s eyes stay clean and reduce discomfort.
1. Gentle Tear Duct Massage
Massaging the tear duct can help open the blockage and improve drainage. Here’s how you can do it:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your baby’s face.
- Place your clean finger (preferably your pinky finger) at the inner corner of your baby’s eye, near the nose.
- Gently press and move your finger in a downward motion along the side of the nose.
- Repeat this 3–5 times in a row, at least twice a day.
This massage helps to clear any blockage and encourages the natural opening of the tear duct.
2. Keep the Eye Clean
Use a clean, warm cotton ball or soft cloth to wipe away any discharge from your baby’s eye. Wipe from the inner corner outward and use a fresh piece of cotton for each wipe to prevent infection.
3. Use Warm Compresses
A warm compress can help reduce discomfort and loosen up any dried discharge. Soak a soft cloth in warm water, squeeze out the excess, and place it gently over the affected eye for a few minutes.
4. Antibiotic Eye Drops (If Infection Occurs)
If your baby develops redness, swelling, or yellow-green pus, they may have an eye infection. In this case, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to treat the infection.
When to See a Doctor
While most cases of blocked tear ducts resolve naturally, you should see a doctor if:
- The condition has not improved by 12 months of age.
- Your baby has severe redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
- The discharge is thick, yellow-green, and persistent.
- Your baby seems to be in pain or frequently rubs their eyes.
- Your doctor will assess the tear ducts and recommend treatment if necessary.
Medical Treatments for Blocked Tear Ducts
If the blockage does not clear on its own by 12 months of age, a doctor may recommend one of the following procedures:
1. Tear Duct Probing
In this simple procedure, an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) inserts a tiny, thin probe into the tear duct to open the blockage. This is usually done under mild sedation or anesthesia and takes just a few minutes.
2. Tear Duct Flushing (Irrigation)
A sterile liquid may be flushed through the tear duct to clear any obstruction. This is often done along with probing.
3. Balloon Dilation
In rare cases, if probing does not work, a tiny balloon catheter may be inserted into the duct and inflated to widen the passage.
4. Surgery (Dacryocystorhinostomy – DCR)
For very rare and severe cases, a surgical procedure may be needed to create a new drainage pathway for the tears. This is usually only done for older children or if other treatments fail.
Conclusion
Blocked tear ducts in babies are common and usually harmless. Most cases resolve on their own within the first year of life. Gentle massage, warm compresses, and keeping the eye clean can help manage symptoms. However, if the problem persists beyond 12 months or there are signs of infection, a doctor may need to perform a simple procedure to open the tear duct.
If your baby has watery eyes or symptoms of a blocked tear duct, don’t wait—consult our best pediatric specialists at Continental Hospitals for expert care and guidance.
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