What is nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants?
Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a common condition causing excessive tearing or mucoid discharge from the eyes, due to blockage of the nasolacrimal duct system. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction affects as many as 20% children aged <1 year worldwide and is often resolved without surgery.
How do you treat a blocked eye duct in an infant?
The most common treatment is gently milking or massaging the tear duct 2 to 3 times per day. In some cases, the tear duct needs to be opened using a probe. In more severe cases, your child may need surgery. Most blocked tear ducts heal on their own.
Will a blocked tear duct fix itself in babies?
Often a blocked tear duct clears up on its own, especially in babies under 6 months old. If your child has a blocked tear duct, your doctor may show you how to massage the eye several times a day at home for a few months. Massaging can help open the blockage.
Is nasolacrimal duct obstruction serious?
The eyelids can become red and swollen (sometimes stuck together) with yellowish-green discharge when normal eyelid bacteria are not properly “flushed” down the obstructed system. Severe cases result in a serious infection of the tear duct system (dacryocystitis).
How long does it take for a baby’s blocked tear duct to go away?
Most cases of clogged tear ducts will resolve as your baby gets older — typically by 12 months of age, especially with at-home treatments. But, if your baby has clogged tear ducts past 1 year of age, your doctor may recommend a simple procedure to help unclog the tear ducts.
Does a blocked tear duct hurt baby?
Even though their eyes may be full of tears, a blocked tear duct does not usually cause a baby much discomfort. If a baby with tearing and eye discharge seems to be uncomfortable, it is best to take them to see a doctor.
Do eye drops help blocked tear duct?
If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or pills to treat the infection. For a narrowed punctum, your doctor can use a small probe to widen it. They’ll then flush or irrigate the tear duct with a saline solution. This is an outpatient procedure.
When should I see a doctor for a blocked tear duct?
You should also make a doctor’s appointment if you’re experiencing excessive tears for more than a few days, or if you notice pus or other discharge around your eye. If you don’t have an ophthalmologist or optometrist — doctors who specialize in eye health — you can make an appointment to see your primary care doctor.
How long can a baby have a clogged tear duct?
A blocked tear duct usually gets better by itself, when the membrane inside the tear duct opens up. This usually happens by the time your baby turns one year old. Your GP or child and family health nurse might show you how to massage the inside of your baby’s eye to help empty the tear duct of the sticky discharge.
How long does it take for a tear duct to unblock?
In this procedure, the doctor threads a tiny tube through the holes, or puncta, in the corners of the eyes. The tube passes through each tear duct to the inside of the nose. The procedure takes about an hour. The tubes stay in place for three to six months to open up the ducts and let tears drain.
How do you massage a baby with a blocked tear duct?
Place the tip of your index finger against the side of the child’s nose, next to the affected eye (Picture 2). Press firmly and move your index finger in short downward strokes 3 to 5 times. Repeat these steps 3 times a day: morning, noon and night.
Can a blocked tear duct make a baby fussy?
Your baby becomes more fussy and cranky because of blocked tear ducts. Your newborn has signs of tear duct infection.
How do you unblock a tear duct naturally?
Place a clean index finger between the inner corner of the eye and the side of the nose. Gently slide the index finger downwards while massaging the side of the nose. You can repeat it around 10 times in the morning and 10 times at night. You may also use warm compresses to relieve itching and irritation.
Why might the lacrimal ducts become blocked in a newborn?
A blocked tear duct is common in babies. The blockage is usually only because the tear duct hasn’t had enough time to develop properly. Once the tear duct has fully developed, the problem goes away, often within just a few weeks or months after birth.