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.