A baby may not always be crying when their eyes are watery. You may see tears that collect at the lid, sticky lashes after sleep, or fluid running down one cheek. In new born blocked tear duct baby is very common which is a growth issue of the drainage system. In most cases we can watch the issue out before we think of a procedure. If as a parent you notice a blocked tear duct in your baby you should watch for changes and at the first sign of concern seek advice.
Still it is true that not all cases of baby watery eye are the same. If your infant has a persistent case of baby watery eye see a health care professional for advice. Knowing the signs will help you to determine when an exam is needed.
What Causes a Blocked Tear Duct?
Normally what happens is that tears drain through small openings at the inner corner of the eyes which in turn go into the nose. If this isn’t completely open tears will pool around the eye.
In what we in the medical field term as nasolacrimal duct obstruction we see that in many babies a thin membrane at the birth which is at the end of the tear duct has not opened up fully. This is a very frequent issue related to a blocked tear duct baby. It does not mean that your baby will automatically need a surgery, each case has to be looked at separately.
An examination can help confirm whether a blocked tear duct baby concern is caused by a drainage problem.
Signs Parents May Notice
Symptoms of a blocked tear duct baby include excessive tearfulness, sticky eyes and discharges that are noticed upon waking. Also it may appear that the baby is constantly rubbing at a baby watery eye which in turn irritates the skin.
| Symptom | What you may notice |
| Excessive tearing | Tears collect even when your baby is not crying. |
| Sticky eyelashes | The eyelids may stick together after sleep. |
| Mild discharge | White or yellowish mucus may gather near the inner corner. |
| Skin irritation | Frequent wiping can make nearby skin sore. |
With nasolacrimal duct obstruction the white of the eye does not usually present red and the baby in general terms does fine. Other causes which include infection and childhood glaucoma must also be ruled out. Persistent or vague symptoms require evaluation.
Seek immediate care for signs such as redness or swelling, fever, a cloudy eye, or a painful lump by the nose. A baby watery eye which presents these warning signs needs to see a doctor right away. Also take note of a recurring watery eye which should be brought to a health care provider’s attention.
Diagnosis and Treatment
An eye specialist will ask for the time that watering started and will look at the eyelids, eye surface, and drainage openings. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is also diagnosed via symptoms and exam. If symptoms change over time, further evaluation may be required especially in the case of a blocked tear duct baby which has not improved or which is getting worse.
For the most part we see that what is labeled as nasolacrimal duct obstruction does well with just watching and wait, many improve on their own. Your doctor may suggest eye irrigation with sterile saline or cooled boiled water. Use a fresh clean pad for each eye.
| Care or treatment | When it may be recommended |
| Observation | Many cases improve naturally during infancy. |
| Gentle massage | A clinician may show you a technique to encourage drainage. |
| Prescribed antibiotics | Used when a doctor identifies a bacterial infection. |
| Tear duct probing | May be considered if the blockage persists or symptoms warrant treatment. |
In the case of a blocked tear duct baby we do not see results with antibiotics which are used only when there is a diagnosed infection. Do not put in breast milk, herbal remedies or non prescribed eye drops into your baby’s eyes.
Ask that a health professional go through the massage procedure first. Do not apply pressure to the eye. If watering increases, or you see redness and swelling, get in to see your health care provider which may not be resolved by at home care alone.
When do we need to have a tear duct probing?
If symptoms last an ophthalmologist may bring up tear duct probing as a solution. A small device is put in through the drain which opens up the blockage.
Timing is a factor of age, symptoms, and examination. In the case of a blocked tear duct baby issue that persists past the first year it is to be reevaluated. Your specialist may go over the benefits and risks of treatment. The procedure does not apply to all infants.
Conclusion
In some blocked tear ducts a baby is a cause of watery eyes during the first year of life which in many cases improves on its own. We recommend gentle cleaning, consultation with a health care provider and close monitoring as a parents’ guide to managing the issue safely.
If your watering doesn’t improve, in which case your eye may become red or puffy, in that case for an exam. A specialist will be able to determine if you have a nasolacrimal duct obstruction and what options are available including tear duct probing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it that a blocked tear duct is dangerous for babies?
In most cases it is not and also will go away on its own. But if there is associated fever, large swelling, or pain in the baby then you should report to the doctor right away.
2. Can it effect my baby’s vision?
Usually an uncomplicated blockage does not affect vision but persistent watering requires assessment which is especially true if the cornea looks cloudy or large. A baby watery eye should not be assumed to be just a simple blockage without looking at the full picture.
3. In what time frame do we see improvement?
For many it improves within the first few months and by the age of one most are resolved. If symptoms persist a clinician may advise on whether tear duct probing is an appropriate treatment.
4. Doesn’t every baby require a procedure?
No. For the most part babies do not. We may try tear duct probing out if symptoms last or issues develop which the specialist determines.
5. May I try massaging the tear duct at home
It is best to have a health care professional demonstrate the technique first. Do not use great pressure and avoid home remedies. If you think you have a blocked tear duct baby report to your eye doctor for advice which will be tailored to your situation.
Reference links
1. MedlinePlus – Blocked Tear Duct
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001016.htm
2. National Library of Medicine – Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559267
