My 20 month old does not produce any tears at all when he cries. He suffered from a blocked tear duct when he was a newborn. For several months he had excessive tearing which was treated with prescription eye drops. Once that cleared up at about six months of age, he has never produced any more tears at all. What could be causing this and should I be concerned?
2006-12-27 06:21:49 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
He has to have adequate tears in order for his eyes to remain moist. Otherwise they'd dry up.
Two suggestions. First, is he really crying? Or is he just whining? Not the same thing. It is possible to whine and not produce tears.
Second, if you really think he is incapable of producing tears, he needs medical attention. Now. The long term affects of dry eyes are not going to be fun for anyone.
2006-12-27 06:29:13 · answer #1 · answered by niffer's mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get a referral from your sons doctor for a consultation with an pediatric ophthalmologist that he recommends. It isn't normal for your 20 month old to not produce tears while crying. I have a 14 month old and she doesn't produce tears out of her right eye. She also had a clogged tear duct when born and I had to put the eye drops in her eyes. Her doctor just gave me a name of an ophthalmologist to set up a consultation with to see if she will have to have the minor surgery on her tear duct. I hope this is of some help and hope your sons sheds some tears soon.
2006-12-28 11:35:23 · answer #2 · answered by Spammy5 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Here is how the eye is supposed to work: tears are produced in a gland at the outer/upper corner of the eye – the lacrimal gland. The moisture flows over the eye, keeping it from drying out – this is aided by blinking. Any excess fluid then drains out of the inner corner and down the nasolacrimal duct (also call the tear duct) into the nose. When somebody cries, there can be an overflow of tears out of the eye and down the cheek. Many infants are born with plugged tear ducts, and have tears running down their cheeks even without crying (click here for more info on this). I have seen plenty of kids crying, but without tears rolling down the cheeks. This is probably because their tear ducts work very well (I do see the tear in their eyes, just not running down the cheek). It is unusual for a child to not produce any tears at all. Next time he cries, look for the eyes to become extra moist – if you don’t see this, then you probably should see an eye doctor to measure the level of tear production." Dr. Jim, Jan. '06
2006-12-27 06:30:36 · answer #3 · answered by Usual 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not too terribly concerned, but yes it should definately be brought up again to the doctor. Assuming that she never can produce tears anymore again. If its occasional you may just keep an eye on it. But if its very frequent..you should take him back. The ducts may be clogged again or it may be a more persistant problem they didn't realize or that has come back full force. Better to be safe than sorry. My cousins baby is being taken now for the same thing, she will cry and cry but not one tear will ever show. Good luck!
2006-12-27 06:31:29 · answer #4 · answered by amason1226 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not uncommon for babies to not produce tears at all until 12 months or better.
Each baby is different. Theyre under developed at birth, and often just dont function.
I doubt the blocked duct is an issue now, i think its something like 2 out of 3 newborns have blocked ducts to some severety, although most clear up on their own in a few months time.
As your doctor.
2006-12-27 06:27:03 · answer #5 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is possible his tear ducst could be clogged again. I would just give a call to your pediatrician or family dr. Speak with his nurse and see if you need an appointment. My little guy has over active tear ducts. He can be laughing and tears just roll down his face.
2006-12-27 06:26:32 · answer #6 · answered by novembersnow78 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should be concerned. It is not normal. It sounds like he may have another blockage in his tear ducts. Artificial tears will help to keep his eyes moist. Have a pediatric Opthamologist take a look at him.
2006-12-27 06:27:43 · answer #7 · answered by Cheryl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you taken your child to an intestinal specialist? My little girl about 6 months ago had to go for an intestinal problem and one of the questions was does she produce tears. I told him yes, but he told me there is some kind of intestinal disease that cause a child not to produce tears or sweat. I would check with your Ped.
2006-12-28 14:16:07 · answer #8 · answered by I'm a mommy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say if he is truly crying than his tear ducts are clogged or there is a blockage somewhere and to get him to the doctor. Another wise he is faking.
2006-12-27 06:31:34 · answer #9 · answered by Marina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter had this same problem, still does and she's 4 now. we took her to a specialist and they said the gland that produces the tears was undeveloped and she would eventually grow out of it, not sure when. But you should talk to your pediatrician.
2006-12-30 14:39:29 · answer #10 · answered by Katie L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋