Tear duct obstruction can cause watery, sticky, or infected eyes. Management options range from gentle massage to surgery, depending on age, cause, and severity.
Conservative and medical approaches
In babies, many partial blockages improve with time. In adults, treatment focuses on comfort and reducing infections.
- Lid and tear duct massage may help infants with congenital narrowing
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene reduce crusting and discharge
- Antibiotic drops or ointment treat repeated infections safely
- Temporary plugs or stents can support drainage after procedures
Surgical treatments
When symptoms persist or infections recur, procedures to open or bypass the blockage may be advised. These are tailored to the level of the blockage.
- Probing and irrigation can open membranes in children
- Dacryocystorhinostomy creates a new drainage channel into the nose
- Endoscopic techniques avoid external scars for some adults
- Follow-up checks ensure the new passage stays open and comfortable
