Tear Duct Blockage In Babies
The tear duct is a small tube that drains tears from the eyes. When the tear duct is blocked, the tears cannot be drained from the inside corner of the eye into the side of the nose. This is known as tear duct blockage. The tear duct is also called a nasolacrimal duct.
Lacrimal glands are located just above the outside corner of the eye. Lacrimal glands make tears which keep the surface of the eye moist. Small amounts of tears are made by lacrimal glands, which drain on to the eye. The surface of the eye should always be kept clean and clear from dust or dirt. Over the surface of the eye, the eyelids spread the tears when the eyes are blinked, and excess tears drain out of the eye. They are passed through the nasolacrimal duct and into the nose.
Lacrimal glands are located just above the outside corner of the eye. Lacrimal glands make tears which keep the surface of the eye moist. Small amounts of tears are made by lacrimal glands, which drain on to the eye. The surface of the eye should always be kept clean and clear from dust or dirt. Over the surface of the eye, the eyelids spread the tears when the eyes are blinked, and excess tears drain out of the eye. They are passed through the nasolacrimal duct and into the nose.
Causes Of Tear Duct Blockage
Some babies are born with tear duct blockage. It is common in babies in about one in 5 newborns, and gradually the problem goes away within a few weeks or months after birth. The cause is just that the tear duct is not fully developed. Blockage goes away once the tear duct is developed. Till the duct develops, there may be some problems to look after. Blockage could be for one eye or both eyes. Rarely blockage could be due to abnormality of the eyes or eyelids.
Symptoms Of A Tear Duct Blockage
- Watery eyes: Tear glands do not produce tears in one or two weeks after birth. At first, there will not be watery eyes for the baby. After one or two weeks of birth, you may notice that one or both eyes become watery. If the baby is affected by the cold or if the weather is cool, the symptoms may get worse.
- The affected eye may look sticky or crusted.
- Dacryocystitis- Infection that occurs in the tear sac. The infection causes tears to flow from the inner corner of eye to the nose, causing swelling and redness.
- Mild redness of the eye, which may develop into conjunctivitis, which is usually not serious.
Other eye problems could also be a reason for watery eyes in babies. If the baby has any of the following symptoms, consult a Pediatrician:
- Inflamed, angry, or red eyes.
- If light hurts the baby’s eyes or the baby does not want to open the eyes.
- Eyes and eyelids appearance is not normal.
- Rubbing the eyes and discomfort.
If the infection is not cleared even after 12 months of age, then the doctor may refer to an eye specialist.
Treatment For Tear Duct Blockage
Tear duct blockage will be cleared once the tear duct develops completely. This may take a few weeks after birth and also several months in some babies.
- To drain the tears: Massaging the tear duct could drain the tears and also help the tear duct to develop. Massage should be done very gently on the outside of the nose and then stroke downwards towards the tip of the nose. The response will be good for most babies with massaging, and no further treatment will be needed.
- For sticky or crusty eyes: Gently wipe the eyes with gauze, and wet them slightly with sterile water.
- To clear conjunctivitis: Sometimes antibiotic eye drops may be advised.
- Dacryocystitis: Antibiotic medicine may be advised to clear the infection of the tear sac.
- If watery eyes persist after 12 months: An eye specialist may advise a small procedure that includes passing a thin instrument into the tear duct to open up the duct.
