Blocked tear ducts are common in infants, occurring when the tear drainage system is not yet fully open. This can lead to tears not draining properly from the eye. The condition usually resolves on its own as the baby grows.
Understanding Blocked Tear Ducts in Babies
Tears keep the eyes moist and healthy, flowing from glands above the eye, across the surface, and then draining through ducts into the nose. In babies, a blocked tear duct, also known as dacryostenosis or congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, occurs when this drainage system is not fully developed at birth. Around 6% to 20% of newborns experience symptoms.
The most frequent reason for this blockage is a thin membrane at the end of the nasolacrimal duct, located near the nose, that has not yet opened. This membrane prevents tears from draining into the nasal cavity. While the blockage is usually present from birth, symptoms might not become apparent until a baby is a few weeks old, as newborns do not produce a full volume of tears immediately.
Identifying the Symptoms
Parents often observe specific signs of a blocked tear duct. The most common symptom is excessive tearing, where tears may pool in the corner of the eye or run down the baby’s cheek, even when they are not crying. Another frequent sign is discharge, which can range from clear to whitish or yellowish, sometimes causing the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep.
Mild redness of the whites of the eyes or surrounding skin might also occur, often due to irritation from rubbing the eye. These symptoms can affect one eye or both. A blocked tear duct typically does not cause discomfort or pain for the baby unless an infection develops.
How Long Blocked Tear Ducts Typically Last
Blocked tear ducts in babies are usually a temporary condition that resolves spontaneously. Most cases clear on their own as the baby’s tear drainage system matures. This often happens within the first year of life, with many resolving by 6 to 12 months of age. About 80% of cases resolve without medical intervention by the time a baby is 12 months old.
The spontaneous opening occurs as the membrane blocking the duct breaks down naturally with growth and the normal flow of tears. While most blockages resolve within this timeframe, some can persist longer, with a chance of resolution even up to 5 years of age. Regular observation and gentle home care are usually sufficient.
Home Care and When to Seek Medical Attention
For babies with a blocked tear duct, gentle home care can help manage symptoms and encourage the duct to open. Keeping the eye clean is important; parents can use a clean, soft washcloth or cotton ball dampened with warm water to gently wipe away any discharge or crusting. Always wipe from the inner corner of the eye outwards, using a fresh part of the cloth or a new cotton ball for each wipe.
A gentle massage technique, often called lacrimal sac massage, can also be beneficial. After washing hands, parents can place a clean finger on the side of the baby’s nose, near the inner corner of the eye. Gently press down and slide the finger towards the nose, repeating this motion several times a day. This massage aims to put pressure on the lacrimal sac to help open the blocked membrane.
It is important to seek medical attention if there are signs of infection, such as significant redness of the whites of the eye, swelling of the eyelids, a hard lump near the inner corner of the eye, or pus-like discharge that is yellow or green. A fever or increased fussiness can also indicate an infection. If the blocked tear duct has not resolved by the baby’s first birthday, or if symptoms are persistent and bothersome, a pediatrician may refer to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation. Medical interventions, such as probing the duct, may be considered in such cases.