Blocked Tear Ducts

Studies show that approximately 20% of babies have a blocked tear duct, making this a fairly common condition. It may affect one or both eyes.

A blocked tear duct occurs when:

  • The duct does not open properly
  • Narrow ducts become blocked with mucus and cells

Tears usually begin to form two to three weeks after birth. Their function is to keep the eyes moist and clean. When a baby blinks, tears are swept into the tear ducts, which normally drain into the nose. If the ducts at the inner corner of the eyes are blocked, tears cannot drain properly and are pushed back into the eyes. This results in watery eyes and a sticky discharge, which may collect in the corner of the eye.

Signs and symptoms:

  • Yellowish discharge in the eyes
  • Eyelids sticking together
  • Watery eyes

Treatment:

  • Flush the eyes with breast milk (if you are breastfeeding)
  • Use normal saline or cooled, boiled water
  • Use cotton wool or gauze to wipe from the corner closest to the nose outwards towards the ear
  • Apply gentle pressure to help unblock the duct

Tear duct massage:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure fingernails are short
  • Using your little finger or ring finger, gently massage the side of the baby’s nose next to the affected eye
  • Apply gentle pressure and move your finger in short downward strokes three to five times

If the eye worsens or does not improve, seek professional medical advice. If the problem persists beyond one year of age, an ophthalmologist may need to open the duct using a probe.

As eyes are delicate, signs of infection should not be ignored. Simple cleaning and massage are usually all that is required, and approximately 90% of blocked tear ducts resolve on their own. However, any infection will need appropriate treatment.