/assets/production/practices/c92152446cb1bb9ecfa55a39504c3ebb1165af04/images/2730944.jpeg)
Blocked tear duct services offered in Plano, TX
Babies are commonly born with a blockage in the nasolacrimal duct also referred to as "tear duct". This causes tears to not drain through the nose which results in excess tears in the sac and eye. Because the tears are stagnant, the eye commonly develops discharge. While many will resolve with conservative treatment, some will need surgical intervention.
What is a blocked tear duct?
A blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction or dacryostenosis) occurs when tears can’t drain properly from one or both eyes. It sometimes affects infants and young children.
The lacrimal gland next to the eye produces tears to lubricate and clean the eyeball. The tears should flow down the lacrimal drainage system, but something prevents proper drainage in children with blocked tear ducts.
Most often, the blockage is due to a membrane in part of the tear duct system.
What problems does a blocked tear duct cause?
A blocked tear duct causes chronic tearing and mucus discharge that parents must frequently wipe away. This discharge can sometimes glue the affected eye shut, especially after the child has been asleep.
Other symptoms you might notice include:
- Pooling tears in the corner of the child’s eye
- Tears on the eyelid and cheek
- Yellowish eye discharge
- Reddened skin around the affected eye (caused by rubbing)
Babies may only exhibit symptoms when they cry, or it’s cold and windy. In addition, babies don’t produce any tears for the first few weeks, so you may not notice a blocked tear duct straight after the birth.
How is a blocked tear duct treated?
Blocked tear duct treatment varies depending on your child’s age, symptoms, general health, and the problem’s severity. In most cases, blocked tear ducts improve without intervention, but if you’re concerned, visit Pediatric Ophthalmology Partners of Texas for advice.
The first treatment you might try is gently massaging or milking the blocked tear duct 2-3 times daily. Dr. Dao can show you how to do this correctly. Your child might need an antibiotic ointment, or eye drops to clear sticky discharge, although this won’t resolve the blockage.
If the blocked tear duct doesn’t go away by the time your child is 5 or 6 months old, Dr. Dao can perform an in-office tear duct probing to open the blockage.
A tear duct stent procedure might be necessary for children over 12 months and those whose blockage recurs after several in-office probings. Dr. Dao performs the procedure on an outpatient basis, so your child won’t have to stay overnight.
If you’re worried your child’s tear duct is blocked, call Pediatric Ophthalmology Partners of Texas today or book an appointment online.