Watching your child’s eyes constantly water or having discharge can be worrying, especially in the first months of life. Tear duct obstruction is a common and usually temporary condition in children, and in most cases, it resolves on its own with time. This page explains what tear duct obstruction is, why it happens, what signs to look out for, and how it is treated.
When children experience excessive tearing, it may be due to either:
It is important to differentiate between the two, as the causes and treatments differ.
Tears normally drain through small openings at the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids, known as puncta. From there, tears pass through the tear drainage passages and enter the nose via the nasolacrimal duct.
When this drainage system is blocked, tears cannot drain properly. This causes backflow of tears, leading to watering, discharge, and irritation of the eye.
Tear duct obstruction occurs when tears are unable to drain normally through the tear duct system. As a result:
Excessive tear production may be triggered by:
Reduced tear drainage happens when part of the tear drainage system becomes narrowed or blocked.
The most common cause in children is a failure of a thin membrane at the lower end of the tear duct to open normally around the time of birth. About 90% of children experience spontaneous resolution within the first year of life
Common signs include:
If bacteria build up in the blocked system, it can lead to infection of the tear duct, known as dacryocystitis, which requires prompt medical attention.
In children, a history of tearing and discharge from an early age is suggestive of a blocked tear duct. It is especially important to exclude childhood glaucoma, an uncommon but serious cause of tearing in infants.
Yes. Episodes of flu, nasal congestion, or upper respiratory infections may temporarily worsen tearing, even in children whose tear ducts are partially open.
Most children improve naturally without surgery. During this period, your doctor may recommend:
If the obstruction does not resolve by 12–18 months of age, a procedure called tear duct probing may be advised.
schedule an appointment today and get support for your child’s Eye needs.
During tear duct probing:
The procedure is quick, safe, and highly effective in children.
Medical Director, Consultant Ophthalmologist
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist
Disclaimer:
The information on the The Children’s Eye & ENT Centre website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.