Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
What is a blocked tear duct?
- Normally tears drain from the eyes into the nose through tear ducts.
- If the duct is blocked, the tears can’t drain through the nose and will come out of your child’s eyes.
- This is very common in babies.
- Infants don’t really start making tears until they are between 1 to 3 months old, so it may be a few months before you notice a problem.
What are the symptoms of a blocked tear duct?
- Frequent watery eye. It looks like your baby has tears running down their face, even when they are not crying.
- There is NO eye redness or eyelid swelling.
- Your child may have symptoms in one or both eyes.
How are blocked tear ducts diagnosed?
Your child’s provider will discuss their symptoms with you and perform a physical examination.
How is this treated?
- Most of the time this problem will go away on its own by the time your child turns 1 year old.
- Your child’s provider might tell you to massage their face / tear duct.
- This can be done multiple times per day. Some families like to make it part of their diaper changing routine.
Watch this video on how to do this massage:
- If there is no improvement in your child’s symptoms, you might be referred to a Pediatric Ophthalmologist – a doctor that specializes in the eyes.
When to call your doctor:
- Your child has yellow, white, or green drainage from their eyes.
- The white part of your child’s eyes look red, or their eyelid is red or swollen.
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child is getting worse.
- You think your child needs to be seen.
- You have other questions or concerns.
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics patient education materials.
Reviewed by: AR D.O., TT D.O. | 01/2024