How To Clean Tear Ducts Jun 2026

Blocked tear ducts are often secondary to blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).

Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands located above each eye. They wash over the eye and drain through small openings (puncta) on the inner corners of the eyelids. From there, tears travel through the canaliculi into the lacrimal sac and down the nasolacrimal duct into the nose. A blockage anywhere along this pathway can result in excessive tearing (epiphora), irritation, or infection.

If there is visible debris, dip a clean corner of the washcloth in the warm water (add a drop of baby shampoo if needed, then rinse the cloth well). Gently wipe from the inner corner outward , using a fresh section of the cloth for each swipe. Never wipe back and forth toward the nose—this can push debris deeper into the duct. how to clean tear ducts

Splash your closed eye with clean, lukewarm water (preferably distilled or bottled if tap water quality is questionable). Pat dry with a clean towel.

Soak a clean, soft washcloth in warm (not hot) water. Gently place it over the inner corner of the eye for 5–10 minutes several times a day. This helps soften crusty discharge and may help open the duct. Blocked tear ducts are often secondary to blepharitis

: Gently place the warm cloth over the closed eye for 5–10 minutes . The heat and moisture will soften the solid discharge.

Soak the washcloth in warm water and wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping. Test the temperature on your inner wrist—it should feel comfortably warm, not scalding. From there, tears travel through the canaliculi into

If home cleaning doesn’t work, an eye doctor may:

Blocked Tear Duct Treatment Options * Warm compresses: Apply a clean, warm compress to the inner corner of the eye for 5-10 minute... Cascade Eye & Skin Centers Blocked Tear Duct - CommonSpirit Health How can you care for your child who has a blocked tear duct? Keep your child's eye clean. * Moisten a clean cotton ball or washclo... CommonSpirit Health Surgery for Tear Duct Blockage | Nemours KidsHealth What Happens During Tear Duct Blockage Surgery? Newborns sometimes can have a blocked duct opened in the ophthalmologist's office ... KidsHealth Blocked tear duct - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic More than one approach may be needed to correct the issue. * Medicines to fight infection. If infection is present, antibiotic eye... Mayo Clinic How to Treat Blocked Tear Ducts in Children: A Parent's Guide Dec 1, 2025 —