Keep cleansing the eye until the blocked tear duct clears up.
Never use the same washcloth on both eyes. If you have a blocked tear duct in your other eye, use a second, clean washcloth instead.
Your doctor may show you how to perform this massage on yourself or on your baby. Always remember to wash your hands before performing a lacrimal sac massage, as you don’t want to risk introducing bacteria to the eyes and causing an infection.
To test for a blocked tear duct, the doctor will flush out the eye using a special liquid that has a flavor. If the flavor cannot be tasted in the back of the throat, then a blocked tear duct will likely be diagnosed. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source Other tests may include an X-ray or CT scan of the tear duct area (called a dacryocystogram). The doctor will also ask you to describe your symptoms, which are of great clinical value as they can help to rule out other eye conditions like congenital conjunctivitis and glaucoma.
To use the eye drops, shake the bottle well, tilt your head back, then place the recommended number of drops into the eye. Close the eye for 30 seconds to a minute to allow the eye drops to be absorbed. Always wash your hands before using eye drops to avoid introducing bacteria to the eye. After applying the eye drops, wash your hands again.
Oral antibiotics are usually recommended for gonococcal and chlamydial infections of the eye. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are generally used for bacterial conjunctivitis. Always take the recommended dosage prescribed by your doctor.
This procedure is done as an outpatient procedure that is really easy for an adult. For a baby, it is usually performed under general anesthesia. The procedure only takes about 30 minutes. If you (or your child) are set to receive this treatment, it’s important that you avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or another over-the-counter NSAID in the 2 weeks before the surgery, as it could lead to bleeding.
Typically, this procedure is done under general anesthesia. The tube itself is barely noticeable, but after the surgery certain precautions must be taken to prevent infection. You must avoid rubbing your eyes in case you move or damage the tube and you must always remember to wash your hands before touching your eyes.
Laser dacryocystorhinostomy involves an endoscope that has a laser that can cut through body tissues. The laser will cut a hole in the nasal bone to connect the tear duct and the nasal cavity. A fistula is then inserted in the duct, serving as the passageway of the tears.
Recurrent eye inflammation or infection. Blurred vision. Mucus or pus-like discharge in the eye lids. Blood-tinged tears. Fever.
Congenital blockage, which happens often in newborns Age-related changes Infections in the eye Trauma to the face Tumors Cancer treatments
Blocked tear ducts are very common in babies, especially those under 6 months old. For babies, it isn’t really possible to prevent a blocked tear duct; treating it is the best way to clear the infection up fast.
