Even though their eyes may be full of tears, a blocked tear duct does not usually cause a baby much discomfort. If a baby with tearing and eye discharge seems to be uncomfortable, it is best to take them to see a doctor.
How long do Blocked tear ducts last in newborns?
Most cases of clogged tear ducts will resolve as your baby gets older — typically by 12 months of age, especially with at-home treatments. But, if your baby has clogged tear ducts past 1 year of age, your doctor may recommend a simple procedure to help unclog the tear ducts.
How do you treat a blocked tear duct in an infant?
Most babies who have blocked tear ducts don’t need treatment. To help prevent infection and other problems until the blockage goes away: Keep the eye clean. To wipe away drainage, moisten a clean cotton ball or washcloth with warm water, and gently wipe from the inner (near the nose) to the outer part of the eye.
What happens if a blocked tear duct goes untreated in babies?
What are possible complications of a blocked tear duct in a child? Sometimes a blocked tear duct may cause an eye infection. If this happens, your child may need antibiotics. Most blocked tear ducts heal on their own.
Is a blocked tear duct serious?
The condition is common in infants, but it can develop in adults, too. And while a blocked tear duct is often harmless for babies, in adults it can sometimes be a sign of a serious health problem. Blocked tear ducts are often treatable and temporary, but if the condition lingers, you should see a doctor.
Will a blocked tear duct fix itself?
It generally gets unclogged on its own. If you have any signs and symptoms of a clogged tear duct, you may consult a board-certified ophthalmologist to get the condition treated. Some home remedies may help relieve the symptoms of a blocked tear duct.
Will a blocked tear duct fix itself in babies?
If your baby has a blocked tear duct, his eye will water constantly and he might have discharge from the eye when he wakes up. A blocked tear duct will usually fix itself. But see a GP if your baby has symptoms of redness, swelling or green discharge around her eye.
What happens if a blocked tear duct goes untreated?
You should see your doctor if you tear constantly for several days or if your eye is repeatedly or continually infected. Left untreated, this can develop into a more severe infection called cellulitis which sometimes requires hospitalization for treatment.
Does breastmilk help clogged tear ducts?
Try placing a drop or two of breast milk directly into the inner portion of your baby’s eyes while they are closed— once they open their eyes, the milk will fall into the eyes and work to clear up any infection. Use this treatment a few times a day for a week or two or until their tear ducts have cleared up.