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Blocked Tear Duct
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Known medically as lacrimal (LAK-rih-mull) stenosis
(steh-NO-sis), this problem is generally seen at birth. The
blockage can affect one or both of the tubes that carry tears
from the eyes to the nose.
A blocked tear duct usually is not a serious problem. But
because the tears cannot flow to clean out the duct, an
infection is possible. The tear duct usually opens on its own
by the time the child turns 1 year old. If it is still blocked
after the first year, you may need to see an eye
doctor.
Causes
The cause is unknown.
Signs/Symptoms
Symptoms may appear within days or weeks after birth. The
eye may be watery all the time, or you may see tears running
down the child's face for no apparent reason. The nostril on
the side of the blocked tear duct may be dry when the child
cries. The area around the affected eye may be red and sore. If
infected, the eye may have a milk-like or yellow
discharge.
Care
If the condition lasts for more than a year, the eye
doctor will open the tear duct either in the office or in the
hospital. Antibiotics may be needed if an eye infection
develops.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
To prevent infection, rub the
child's tear duct (the place where tears collect) several
times a day:
-
-
First wash your
hands.
-
Then, using a cotton
swab, start rubbing at the inner corner of the eye,
gently pressing upward.
-
If the eye is infected,
gently wash away pus with a cloth soaked in warm
water.
-
Always give the child
medicine exactly as directed. If it doesn't seem to help,
tell the doctor, but continue giving it until told
otherwise. Do stop immediately if the child develops a rash
or has trouble breathing, then call the doctor. These
symptoms may signal an allergic reaction.
-
If the doctor prescribes
antibiotics, use them up completely even if the child seems
to be better.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
The child has milk-like or
yellow discharge coming from the eye.
-
The discharge changes or gets
worse.
-
After naps, the child's
eyelids are stuck together with pus.
-
The eye continues to water
after the child's first year.
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