How To Clear Tear Ducts

To prevent blocked tear ducts, make sure to:

He handed Maya a clean washcloth. "You try."

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to clear the tear duct:

Maya took a breath. She washed her hands. With her pinky, she found the spot—soft, just inside the bridge of the nose. She applied the slightest pressure and stroked downward. how to clear tear ducts

"It’s a nasolacrimal duct obstruction," Dr. Aris said softly, shining a small light near Leo’s eye. "Basically, the drainage pipe that carries tears from the eye to the nose has a traffic jam. Instead of draining away, the tears pool and get a bit sticky."

Most newborns have a congenital blockage due to a thin membrane at the duct’s end. In 90% of cases, this resolves by age one without invasive treatment.

He moved his finger in a slow, rhythmic motion. Down, down, down. To prevent blocked tear ducts, make sure to:

Doctor O'Donovan 1m Show all Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure your fingernails are short and trimmed. Technique: Place your index finger or pinky finger on the inner corner of the eye, near the side of the nose. Movement: Apply firm but gentle downward pressure towards the nasal passage for a few seconds, or use short downward strokes. Frequency: Pediatricians often suggest repeating this 2–3 times a day. 3. Maintain Proper Hygiene Keeping the area clean prevents bacteria from building up in the stagnant tears, which reduces the risk of infection. Clean the Eye: Use a sterile cotton ball or clean cloth dipped in cooled, boiled water to wipe away discharge. Wipe Outward: Always wipe from the inner corner of the eye toward the outer corner to avoid pushing debris back into the duct. 4. Professional Medical Treatments If home care doesn't work after several months or if symptoms are severe, an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) may recommend medical procedures: Probing and Irrigation: A thin metal probe is guided through the duct to clear the blockage. Balloon Catheter Dilation: A tiny balloon is inflated inside the duct to widen the passage. DCR Surgery: For chronic blockages in adults, surgery creates a new drainage path from the eye to the nose. When to See a Doctor You should seek professional medical advice if you or your child experience: Pus or Yellow/Green Discharge: This often indicates an infection. Fever or Pain: Significant swelling, tenderness, or fever requires immediate care. Vision Changes: Any blurred vision or persistent redness in the white of the eye. Age Milestone: If an infant's duct hasn't opened by their first birthday. Further Exploration Learn about the surgical options for persistent blockages in adults, including the gold-standard DCR procedure, at Edmonton Eyelids . View a detailed parent's guide on pediatric care and how to manage "sticky eye" in newborns from Everett & Hurite Eyecare . Read a comprehensive medical overview of diagnosis, causes, and various clinical treatments from the Mayo Clinic . Are you managing these symptoms for

Never use sharp objects (like tweezers or needles) near the tear duct opening (puncta). Do not use over-the-counter eye drops without a doctor’s advice, as some can worsen dryness or irritation.

He gently wiped Leo’s lid. Leo blinked, his big brown eye now open and bright, though still watery. With her pinky, she found the spot—soft, just

Using a saline spray may help if the blockage is related to nasal congestion or inflammation. Blocked tear duct - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

Leo looked up at her, blinking perfectly dry, bright eyes, and gave her a gummy smile. The river was flowing again.