In about 20% of newborn babies, the tear duct may be congenitally blocked. It generally occurs because the thin membrane at the lower end of the duct does not open in the womb. Even if the baby does not cry, constant watering and yellowish crusting are seen in the eye.
At-Home Massage Treatment
The first and most important treatment for tear duct blockage in babies is massage. Regular massage with circular movements from the inner corner of the eye towards the root of the nose increases the pressure inside and provides the opening of the blocked membrane. It is recommended to do this massage 3-4 times a day, 10 times each.
When to See a Doctor?
- If there is redness in the white of the eye
- If there is excessive swelling on the eyelid
- If the complaints do not pass despite reaching 1 year of age
If the ducts do not open until 1-1.5 years of age despite massage and drop treatment, the duct is opened with a short and effective procedure called probing.
Frequently Asked Questions (Blog FAQ)
How do I know if my baby has a blocked tear duct?
Frequent watering in your baby's eye, eyelashes sticking together upon waking up, and yellow/green crusting are the most prominent signs.
Is probing dangerous?
No, when performed by an expert ophthalmologist, it is a very safe and short procedure (taking about 5-10 minutes).