What can I do to help my daugther's blocked tear duct?

Question

Her left eye's tear ducts have been blocked since birth. We've tried warm rags and massaging it and still it's blocked. Now that she is 10 months old, she HATES it when we try to clean it up and treat it. Eye drops are even trickier to use because she sees it coming and we have to get it in the eye!

We've tried everything the doctors have told us and there is no change. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Although most cases of clogged tear ducts clear up with time, a few persist. An option would be to perform tear duct probing. This is done under anesthesia by a pediatric ophthalmologist, preferably in a hospital or out-patient setting with expertise in treating infants.

A probe is gently inserted in the tear duct and removed. Then a tiny hollow tube is inserted and a dye is injected to determine that the passage is open into the inferior meatus of the nose. Care must be taken to avoid creating a false channel. The eye may continue to weep for a week or so after the dilitation.

Answer 2

Oh man...I have been there..how annoying for the both of you. That breatmilk answer sounds pretty good wish I had thought of that when I needed it. Now it "should" fix itself but if it doesn't there is a procedure, not surgery. Wish I could be more helpful...just be patient as long as it isn't infected I would over worry.

Answer 3

Our newborn son experienced this a couple of times and the quick fix for us was rubbing a dab of breast milk on it. I know it sounds strange but breast milk contains antibodies that help kill the bacteria that cause the blockage.

If your not breast feeding there are medical procedures that can help alleviate (not cure) the problem.

Answer 4

i know of a teacher, her daughter had surgery