When should I see a doctor for a clogged tear duct?

When to see a doctor. See your doctor if you tear constantly for several days or if your eye is repeatedly or continually infected. A blocked tear duct may be caused by a tumor pressing on the tear drainage system. Early identification of the tumor can give you more treatment options.

Do I need to see a doctor for a blocked tear duct?

Blocked tear ducts are often treatable and temporary, but if the condition lingers, you should see a doctor.

How do I know if my blocked tear duct is infected?

Typical symptoms of acute tear duct infection include: Pain, redness and swelling of the lower eyelid at the inner corner of the eye. Excessive tearing. Pus or discharge from the eye.

How does a doctor clear a blocked tear duct?

Balloon catheter dilation.

First the patient is given a general anesthetic. Then the doctor threads through the tear duct blockage in the nose a tube (catheter) with a deflated balloon on the tip. He or she inflates and deflates the balloon a few times to open the blockage.

When should I take my baby to the doctor for a blocked tear duct?

You should take your child to your GP or child and family health nurse if you're concerned about your baby's blocked tear duct or you notice any of the following: The whites of your baby's eye or eyes look red. Your baby has a hard lump on the inner corner of their eye.

What is a blocked tear duct?

How long can a tear duct be clogged?

Many babies are born with a tear-duct blockage. Blocked tear ducts in babies usually clear up with little or no treatment by the time a child is 1 year old.

What happens if you don't treat a blocked tear duct?

Untreated blocked tear ducts could result in cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that can spread around the body and cause painful lumps underneath the skin. Blocked tear ducts stop tears from draining properly, making them accumulate in your eyes and causing irritation and infection.

Do I need antibiotics for a blocked tear duct?

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Antibiotics won't open the blockage, but they can treat an infection and clear up any discharge coming from the eye.

How do you unclog a tear duct fast?

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.

How do you unclog a tear duct in adults?

Medications: If an eye infection caused the blockage, your provider may prescribe oral antibiotics or medicated eyedrops. Dilation, probing and flushing: Your provider enlarges the opening at the corner of your eye. Then, using a small probe, your provider sends fluid through the tear duct.

Will a blocked tear duct go away on its own in adults?

In adults, the cause of the blockage must be treated. This may re-open the duct if there is not too much damage. Surgery using tiny tubes or stents to open the passageway may be needed to restore normal tear drainage.

What color is discharge from blocked tear duct?

There may be bacteria in the tears which also have nowhere to drain. If they grow in the blocked duct there may be a pus- like (yellow or green) discharge from the corner of the eye and crusts on the lashes.

Does warm compress help blocked tear duct?

A warm compress can help decrease pain. It can also make it easier to unblock the tear duct. Use a small towel or gauze dipped in warm water. Leave the compress in place for 5 minutes.

What does a clogged tear duct feel like?

If a tear duct becomes blocked, tears build up and irritate the eyes. This irritation causes painful swelling, makes the eyes appear continuously watery, and increases the risk of infection.

Can an optometrist treat a blocked tear duct?

Your optometrist can perform a procedure to remove the blockage by flushing the tear duct with fluid. Dilating the duct with a balloon can also clear an obstruction. During a balloon catheter procedure, your eye doctor puts a tiny, uninflated balloon in the duct, then inflates it, which removes the blockage.

How do you treat a clogged tear duct at home?

Use a warm compress

Every few hours, when the drainage builds up, warm up a clean and soft washcloth or cotton ball with water and gently clean the eye. You can apply gentle pressure to the tear duct. Then, wipe from the inside of the duct to the outside so you don't wipe anything into the eye.

How often should I massage a blocked tear duct?

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 cause permanent damage?

In most cases, blocked tear ducts resolve without medical intervention and do not cause any permanent eye problems. In some cases, however, a blocked tear duct will need medical treatment and may indicate a more serious problem, such as a tumor.

What kind of doctor unclog tear ducts?

Doctors do tear duct blockage surgery to open a blocked tear duct. This brief outpatient surgery is done by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

What are the complications of tear duct plugs?

Complications may include epiphora, foreign body sensation, infection, pyogenic granuloma, dislodgment, washout, punctal canalicular erosion, dacryocystitis and increased allergy symptoms.

Will a blocked tear duct fix itself in babies?

In most cases, babies born with a blocked tear duct do not need treatment. The duct tends to open up on its own by the time your child is 6 months old. If the duct does not open, a procedure called probing can be used to open it. In the meantime, you can take care of your child at home by keeping the eye clean.

How can I treat my baby's blocked tear duct at home?

Use a warm compress

Every few hours, when the drainage builds up, warm up a clean and soft washcloth or cotton ball with water and gently clean the eye. You can apply gentle pressure to the tear duct. Then, wipe from the inside of the duct to the outside so you don't wipe anything into the eye.

Does 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.

Can breast milk clear a clogged tear duct?

Try placing a drop or two of breast milk directly into the inner portion of your baby's eyes while they are closed— once they open their eyes, the milk will fall into the eyes and work to clear up any infection. Use this treatment a few times a day for a week or two or until their tear ducts have cleared up.

How do you unclog a tear duct fast?

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.