BLOCKED TEAR DUCT
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Known medically as lacrimal (LAK-rih-mull) stenosis (steh-NO-sis),
this problem is generally seen at birth. The blockage can affect
one or both of the tubes that carry tears from the eyes to the
nose.
A blocked tear duct usually is not a serious problem. But because
the tears cannot flow to clean out the duct, an infection is
possible. The tear duct usually opens on its own by the time the
child turns 1 year old. If it is still blocked after the first
year, you may need to see an eye doctor.
Causes:
The cause is unknown.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms may appear within days or weeks after birth. The eye may
be watery all the time, or you may see tears running down the
child's face for no apparent reason. The nostril on the side of
the blocked tear duct may be dry when the child cries. The area
around the affected eye may be red and sore. If infected, the eye
may have a milk-like or yellow discharge.
Care:
If the condition lasts for more than a year, the eye doctor will
open the tear duct either in the office or in the hospital.
Antibiotics may be needed if an eye infection develops.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- To prevent infection, rub the child's tear duct (the place
where tears collect) several times a day:
- First wash your hands.
- Then, using a cotton swab, start rubbing at the inner
corner of the eye, gently pressing upward.
- If the eye is infected, gently wash away pus with a cloth
soaked in warm water.
- Always give the child medicine exactly as directed. If it
doesn't seem to help, tell the doctor, but continue giving it
until told otherwise. Do stop immediately if the child
develops a rash or has trouble breathing, then call the
doctor. These symptoms may signal an allergic reaction.
- If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, use them up completely
even if the child seems to be better.
Call Your Doctor If...
- The child has milk-like or yellow discharge coming from the
eye.
- The discharge changes or gets worse.
- After naps, the child's eyelids are stuck together with pus.
- The eye continues to water after the child's first year.
The PDRŽ Family Guide Encyclopedia of Medical Care
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