Blocked Tear Ducts in Babies

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 20% of all babies are born with a blocked tear duct. In most cases, a blocked tear duct will resolve on its own within a few months. Massage and medications may be used to treat symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be required.

Cause

A blocked tear duct occurs in babies when the tear duct becomes blocked by some obstruction. Often, babies are born with a membrane covering the nasolacrimal duct.

Symptoms

Blocked tear ducts usually result in excessively watery eyes. Babies with a blocked tear duct often get eye infections that cause swelling and the discharge of mucous from the eye.

Massage Treatment

According to the Mayo Clinic, many doctors recommend that caregivers massage the area of skin between the eye and the top of the nose to help tears flow downward.

Medications

Antibiotic drops may be prescribed to treat and prevent infection.

Surgical Treatment

Some babies may need surgical treatment to open up the blocked tear duct. The surgery is done under general anesthesia and is usually done before the baby's first birthday.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Blocked Tear Duct