Tears normally drain through small openings in the corners of the upper and lower eyelids and enter the nose through the nasolacrimal duct. Tear duct obstruction prevents tears from draining through this system normally.
The most common cause of blocked tear ducts is the failure of a membrane at the end of the tear duct to open normally at or near the time of birth. Some of the other causes include infection, a narrow duct system or nasal bone obstruction.
Blockage of the drainage system causes tears to well up on the surface of the eye and overflow onto the eyelashes, eyelids, and down the cheek. This usually occurs within the first days or weeks of life.
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).
Fortunately, tear duct obstruction resolves spontaneously in a high percentage of cases. When obstruction is persistent, one or more of the following treatments may be recommended: tear duct massage, topical antibiotic eye drops, tear duct probing, balloon tear duct dilation, and/or tear duct intubation.
Source: American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Children’s Eye Care provides this information for general educational purposes only. It should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published on this website is not intended to replace, supplant, or augment a consultation with an eye care professional. Children’s Eye Care disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages that could result from use of the information obtained from this site.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
RELATED POSTS
What’s new with pediatric glaucoma
CEC’s Policy on Prescriptions to Allow Patients to be Exempt from Wearing Masks
Our physicians will not write a “doctor’s excuse” to exempt any patient from not being required to wear masks in school, sports, daycare or any other activity. While we recognize there are a few medical conditions that may require an exemption from masking, every one of the doctors of CEC feel there are no eye conditions that require the absence
Aug. 27, 2021
John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium 2025 | Baker Day Detroit
The John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium (Baker Day) Date: Friday, May 16, 2025. Lecture: 8:00 – 9:30 am Case Presentations: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: Children’s Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI For nearly four decades, the John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium, affectionately known as “Baker Day,” has brought together pediatric ophthalmologists, orthoptists,
Feb. 04, 2025
Vision Through Music®: Expanding Access to Music for Blind and Visually Impaired Children
At our pediatric ophthalmology practice in Southeast Michigan, we’re proud to support Vision Through Music®, a national initiative from the Children’s Eye Foundation of AAPOS, in partnership with the Academy of Music for the Blind (AMB). Lisa Bohra, MD — who is deeply passionate about both music and helping children with vision challenges — is so excited about this program
Mar. 26, 2025
Hiring Pediatric Ophthalmic Technicians – Metro Detroit
Pediatric Ophthalmic Technician – Join a Leading Team in Pediatric Eye Care! Are you ready to launch or elevate your career in ophthalmic technology? We’re looking for passionate, detail-oriented, and motivated individuals to join our team. Why This Role? We are one of the nation’s premier pediatric ophthalmology practices, offering a unique blend of private practice, teaching and academic medicine. We are seeking ophthalmic technicians.
Apr. 12, 2025
view all articles