Blocked Tear Duct in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
The tear duct is a connection between the eye and the nose. It helps your child's eye drain. A blocked tear duct means your child's tears do not drain easily. When the tear duct is blocked, your child may be at higher risk for eye infections. A tear duct may become blocked if it is too narrow. It may also become blocked if your child has extra tissue in his or her tear duct. Your child's risk for a blocked tear duct may be higher if he or she has nasal polyps or an eye injury.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- The swelling spreads to your child's cheek or nose.
- Your child has trouble breathing.
Contact your child's healthcare provider if:
- Your child has a blue or red bump on the inside corner of his or her eye.
- The white part of your child's eye is red.
- Your child's eye starts draining more pus.
- Your child's eye does not improve after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Clean and massage your child's eye 2 to 3 times every day or as directed:
Massage helps unblock the tear duct. This can decrease pain and swelling, and prevent an eye infection:
- Wash your hands.
- Wet a soft washcloth with warm water. Gently wipe any pus or dried crust out of your child's eye.
- Place a warm compress on your child's eye. A warm compress can help decrease pain. It can also make it easier to unblock the tear duct. Use a small towel or gauze dipped in warm water. Leave the compress in place for 5 minutes.
- Place your ring or pinky finger on the side of your child's nose, near his or her eye.
- Press gently and slide your finger down toward the corner of your child's nose. You may see pus or fluid drain from the inside corner of your child's eye. This is normal.
- Wipe away any pus or fluid that drains from the eye. Wash your hands.
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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