By three months of age many children have sticky or watery eyes because of faulty tear drainage. The commonest cause of this problem is delayed development of the nasolacrimal duct that connects the tear sac with the nose. In small babies this is a very common problem, with up to 20% having some of the symptoms. However, the great majority of these tear ducts begin to work normally at some point during the first year of life; in fact, only a very small number of children still have symptoms at 12 months of age. Because most children get better by themselves, no treatment is recommended other than cleaning away crusting with cooled boiled water. Drops and ointments are thought to make little difference unless a definite conjunctivitis develops, with the white of the eye inflamed.
Chances of an affected child recovering without treatment by 12 months of age
Child's age (in months) Proportion that will recover
1 96%
2 93%
3 90%
4 86%
5 82%
6 75%
7 64%
8 49%
9 36%
10 23%
11 5%
After 12 months of age, if the problem persists the chances of it clearing up without treatment are reduced, and many parents will consider that it is time for something to be done, especially if the eye has been very sticky as well as watery. Surgical treatment is the passage of a fine probe through the tear passages to break down any obstructions; this is done as a day case and involves a short general anaesthetic. Like all anaesthetics, this carries a very small risk of serious complications, but the procedure produces a rapid and complete cure in about 75% of cases. Even if it does not produce a cure, the findings will indicate what further treatment is required. There are no scars or stitches.
Waiting longer is an alternative, especially if the symptoms do not seem so severe, as some one year old children can still get better without treatment. About 60% of all those who still have the problem on their first birthday are free of symptoms by the time they are 2 years old, and most of these settle by the time they are 18 months. The advantage of this option is that it may avoid an operation, but there is also a disadvantage. Of those children who are still not better at age 2, about half will respond at once to a probing, and have therefore simply had their treatment delayed. However, there is no good evidence to suggest that delaying treatment reduces the chances of success if a probing is in the end needed, and some children even get better after their second birthday without treatment.
Your doctor will discuss these choices, and any special issues in relation to your own child, to help you decide on the treatment you want.
the other rear possibility is congenital glaucoma.in such a case the doctor can know it by measuring the pressure of eye.you get it checked .
herbal remedy for epiphora;;
NEEM
Botanical Name : AZADIRACHTA INDICA
Family Name: MELIACEAE
The leaves are beneficial in treating epiphora- that is watering of the eyes, in which tears flow into the cheeks due to the obstruction of lacrimalduct . About 250 grams of leaves should be boiled in one and a quarter liter of water until only a quarter liter of water is left. This should be filtered and kept in a well –corked bottle. The eyelids should be painted morning and evening with this liquid;;;;
you can try it out.it has proven helpful to many people
2006-09-22 11:58:30
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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She may have an obstruction of the lacrimal duct. It is common in infants, but this has lasted a little long. It may require surgery to open the blockage. In an adult this is accomplished often by surgically inserting a Jones tube. With the growth ahead of this child, that may not be an option. She should be evaluated by an oculo-plastic surgeon to see if a viable solution is possible at this age.
2006-09-21 07:34:46
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Take her to an eye specialist. My mother had this problem, turned out to be a simple blocked tear duct that all the other doctors missed completely.
2006-09-21 07:52:54
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answer #3
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answered by jetfighter 6
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As you've already done lacrimal apparatus massage to no avail, the next step is to do PROBING. Probing is not only diagnostic but can also be therapeutic. Bring your child to a pediatric ophthalmologist ASAP as it's already getting late.
2006-09-23 22:25:25
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answer #4
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answered by dorris r 2
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Homoeopathy has very good medicines for such ailments.
Pl. try a homoeopath first.
Children like the sweet pills.
Homoeopathy is cheap and very effective also.
2006-09-21 07:40:40
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Allergies?
2006-09-21 07:31:05
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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