Key Takeaways
- Blocked tear ducts in babies are common and often clear on their own during the first year of life.
- Gentle home care, such as warm cleaning and pediatrician-recommended tear duct massage, can help relieve symptoms for many infants.
- Medical treatment, including probing, stenting, or minimally invasive tear duct surgery, may be needed if the blockage does not improve.
- Post-treatment care is typically simple and supports fast healing.
- Everett & Hurite Eyecare Specialists offer expert pediatric ophthalmology care in Pittsburgh for children with blocked tear ducts. Schedule an appointment to ensure your child receives compassionate, specialized treatment.
Understanding Blocked Tear Ducts in Babies
Blocked tear ducts—also called dacryostenosis—occur when the tiny drainage channels that carry tears from the eye into the nose are not fully open. This affects about 6 out of 100 newborns, and symptoms typically appear within days or weeks after birth. In many cases, the condition resolves naturally as a child’s tear duct system matures.
Common Symptoms of a Blocked Tear Duct
Parents may notice:
- Excessive tearing
- Tears running down the cheeks even when the baby isn’t crying
- Yellow or white discharge in the corner of the eye
- Stuck eyelids, especially after naps
- Redness or mild swelling near the inner corner of the eye
- Symptoms worsening after a cold or exposure to wind or sunlight
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These symptoms can look concerning, but they are usually manageable and rarely affect a baby’s vision.
Home Remedies for Mild Cases of Blocked Tear Ducts
For many infants, blocked tear ducts improve naturally within the first year of life. During this time, parents can help keep the eye healthy and comfortable.
1. Keep the Eye Clean
Use a warm, moist cotton pad to gently wipe away tears or discharge from the inner corner of the eye outward. Frequent cleaning helps prevent infection and irritation.
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2. Perform Pediatrician-Recommended Tear Duct Massage
Your pediatric ophthalmologist may recommend a gentle tear duct massage (often called the Crigler massage). This involves placing a clean finger near the inner corner of the eye and applying light downward pressure. This helps move fluid through the duct and may encourage it to open.
Massage should only be done if recommended by a provider.
3. Minimize Irritants
Cold air, wind, and bright sunlight can worsen tearing. Keeping your baby shielded from harsh environments may reduce symptoms.
4. Prevent Infection
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your baby’s eyes. If an infection develops, antibiotics may be necessary, but only when prescribed by a pediatric ophthalmologist.
When Medical Treatment Becomes Necessary
While many newborns with blocked tear duct cases resolve on their own, some require medical intervention, especially if symptoms persist past 6–12 months or infections recur.
Everett & Hurite’s pediatric ophthalmologists evaluate:
- The severity of the blockage
- Whether the duct has begun to open
- Whether infection is present
- How the child responds to conservative care
If the duct remains closed, several safe and effective treatments are available.
Treatment Options for Persistent Blocked Tear Ducts
1. Probing Procedure
A probing procedure gently opens the blocked duct using a thin, sterile instrument.
- Typically performed in-office or under brief anesthesia depending on the child’s age
- Highly successful—about 80% success rate for infants
- Very quick with minimal discomfort
2. Stenting or Intubation
If probing alone is not sufficient, tiny silicone tubes may be inserted into the tear drainage system. These tubes help maintain the opening so tears can drain properly.
Stenting:
- Reduces tearing and discharge
- Is temporary
- Supports the duct in staying open while healing occurs
3. Minimally Invasive Tear Duct Surgery
In rare cases, usually when other treatments fail, your child’s ophthalmologist may recommend dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). This surgery creates a new drainage pathway for tears. At Everett & Hurite, specialists use endoscopic techniques, meaning the procedure is performed with very small instruments and no external incision.
Surgery is typically reserved for older children or complex, long-standing blockages.
What to Expect After Tear Duct Treatment
After Probing or Stenting
Most children return to normal activity quickly. Parents may notice:
- Mild tearing for a few days
- Slight swelling
- Minimal discomfort
Instructions may include:
- Gentle cleaning
- Avoiding eye rubbing
- Using any prescribed medications exactly as directed
After Tear Duct Surgery
Post-operative care is usually simple. Your care team will explain:
- How long will tubes remain in place (if used)
- Signs of healing versus possible infection
- When to schedule follow-up visits
Everett & Hurite’s pediatric specialists closely monitor every child’s recovery to ensure optimal long-term results.
The Role of Pediatric Eye Specialists in Pittsburgh
Blocked tear ducts may be common, but expert evaluation ensures your child receives the right treatment at the right time. Everett & Hurite Eyecare Specialists have one of the region’s few dedicated pediatric ophthalmology teams experienced in diagnosing and treating tear duct issues in infants and young children. Parents can trust that every recommendation, from home care to advanced procedures, is tailored to their child’s unique needs.
To learn more about Everett & Hurite’s dedicated services for children, visit the Blocked Tear Ducts in Children service page.
Schedule Care for Your Child’s Tear Duct Concerns
Choosing the right care early can prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. Everett & Hurite Eyecare Specialists provide comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology services to diagnose, manage, and treat blocked tear ducts in babies and young children.
To get started, schedule an appointment with Everett & Hurite Eyecare Specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a blocked tear duct in a newborn?
Common symptoms include excessive tearing, watery eyes, discharge, sticky eyelids, and mild swelling near the inner corner of the eye. Symptoms often appear shortly after birth.
How do I massage my baby’s tear duct?
A pediatric ophthalmologist may recommend a gentle downward massage near the inner corner of the eye. This helps move fluid through the duct. Only perform massage if your provider instructs you to.
When should I see a doctor for my baby’s blocked tear duct?
Seek care if symptoms worsen, if an infection develops, or if the blockage persists past 6–12 months.
Does my child need surgery for a blocked tear duct?
Most babies improve without surgery. Procedures like probing or stenting are used when the blockage does not resolve. Surgery is reserved for more complex cases.
Is tear duct surgery safe for children?
Yes. At Everett & Hurite, pediatric ophthalmologists use advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic approaches when surgery is needed, ensuring safe and effective care.
