Is your child suffering from a blocked tear duct? Learn what Pittsburgh's top Ophthalmologist can do to help your family find relief.
From a puppy-dog “please?” in the toy store to a confused stare in the classroom, a child's eyes can tell us a lot about their wants and needs. When working properly, their eyes might light up at their favorite flavor of ice cream or start fluttering closed right around their bedtime. These nonverbal indicators are an important part of communication between child and parent.
However, sometimes their eyes can communicate something that the child—or their parent—might not fully understand. For instance, a child with tears running down their face might not be crying, confusing themselves and their parents, but rather suffering from a blocked tear duct.
What Exactly is a Blocked Tear Duct?
Though we usually think of tears as a communicator of sadness, tears are typically ever-present and play an important role in eye health. A blocked tear duct, medically known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction, is a condition in which the drainage system meant for tears to exit the eyes doesn't function properly. Normally, tears are produced by the lacrimal gland to help protect and moisten the eyes.
Tears drain through the tear duct system, specifically through the nasolacrimal duct, into the nasal cavity. However, when there is an obstruction or blockage, tears cannot drain as they should. This can lead to tears spilling over the eyelids and running down the face as the drainage system is compromised. This condition can affect both children and adults, with various causes and potential treatments.
How Does a Child's Tear Duct Become Blocked?
Around 1 in 20 babies(opens in a new tab) are born with at least one underdeveloped tear duct, leading to a blockage. However, since babies do not begin producing tears until they are a few weeks old, the blockage is typically not caught by a doctor at birth. Moreover, symptoms may only become apparent when the baby cries or when the weather is windy or cold, leading to a later diagnosis. Luckily, the affected tear ducts often open up on their own once the baby has reached six months of age.
However, older children can still develop blockages after their tear ducts are fully formed. Some common causes of blocked tear ducts in children over the age of 1 year include:
- A polyp, cyst, or other non-cancerous growth in the nose
- A tumor in the nose
- An eye injury or other trauma to the face
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other infection
- Small particles becoming lodged in the duct
What Are the Symptoms of a Blocked Tear Duct?
If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, they may have a tear duct blockage:
- Tears pooling in the corner of eye
- Painful swelling near the corner of eye
- Tears draining down face (outside of crying)
- Redness in or around the eye from rubbing
- Yellowish discharge from the eye
- Crust on lids or lashes
- Blurred vision
How Can Blocked Tear Ducts in Children Be Treated?
Whether your child is a baby or of school age, there are treatments that may relieve them of the discomfort of a blocked tear duct. Keeping the affected eye(s) clean is most important; this can be done by gently wiping away any drainage with warm water and a cotton ball, going from the inner to outer corner (after thoroughly washing your hands, of course!). Anophthalmologist at Everett & Hurite can also show you how to massage your child's tear duct to reduce the blockage and encourage drainage.
In some cases where the blockage does not clear up on its own, children may need surgery to resolve the issue. The most common surgery is a probing procedure, wherein a thin metal instrument is guided through the duct to clear whatever is causing the blockage. This procedure has a success rate ofapproximately 80%, though your ophthalmologist may suggest a different procedure, as each case is different.
Get Relief with Everett & Hurite
Dealing with a blocked tear duct can be a concerning experience for both you and your child. By understanding the signs, such as tears pooling, discomfort, or discharge, and seeking a timely diagnosis, you can address the issues affecting the tear drainage system effectively. Whether through simple at-home care or potential surgery, there are options available to ensure that the tear duct system functions as it should. Remember, straightforward measures like cleaning and massaging the area can provide relief, but professional evaluation is key to managing the condition.
If you think your child may be suffering from a blocked tear duct and in need of an eye doctor in the Pittsburgh area's team of eye care professionals are here to help.Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at our office inGreensburg, PA, or call (412) 288-0858 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child with a blocked tear duct still participate in sports and activities?
Yes, as long as their symptoms are managed, children with blocked tear ducts can still participate in sports and activities. However, it is important to monitor their symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or do not improve. So, it is important to get regular check-ups with our trusted ophthalmologist.
How is a blocked tear duct diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose a blocked tear duct through several methods, including physical examination, specialized tests such as the dye disappearance test, or irrigation and probing procedures. At Everett & Hurite, our ophthalmologists have years of experience in diagnosing and treating blocked tear ducts in children so that your child can get the best care possible.
Can both upper and lower eyelids be affected by a blocked tear duct?
Yes, both upper and lower eyelids can be affected by a blocked tear duct. In some cases, only one lid may show symptoms while in others, both lids may have issues with drainage. It is essential to seek professional evaluation at Everett & Hurit if you suspect your child may have a blocked duct, as proper diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.
