Blocked Tear Ducts

Most of the time, a blocked tear duct clears up on its own by the time a baby is 1 year old. To help prevent infection, keep the eye clean. And if your doctor suggests it, gently massage the area of the blockage so fluid does not build up in the duct. If signs of infection develop, your baby may need an antibiotic.

If the duct remains blocked after your baby is 6 months to 1 year old, probing may be done to open the duct. In rare cases, babies with blocked tear ducts have a more severe problem that requires more complicated surgery.

Blocked Tear Ducts: Should My Baby Have a Probing Procedure?

In adults, treatment depends on the cause of the blockage. If the duct is blocked due to a long-term (chronic) infection, antibiotic medicines are used. Surgery for blocked tear ducts may be needed for structural problems of the drainage system (such as from injury or age-related changes) or abnormal growths.