Eye Drainage (Blocked Tear Duct-Infant)
Eye Drainage (Blocked Tear Duct-Infant) (blockage of the pathway that normally carries tears from the eyes to the nose)
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Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Signs of infection (redness, swelling, colored discharge, temperature of 100.4 F - (rectal) or greater)
| Yes |
No |
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening. |
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| A blocked tear duct is a common condition
A blocked tear duct usually appears between the ages of 3 and 12 weeks
A blocked tear duct can be aggravated by a cold (URI) or exposure to wind and cold
A common symptom is an eye that waters continuously
The blocked duct is usually only on one side
90 % of blocked tear ducts usually open on their own by 12 months of age
A blocked duct will not damage vision |
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Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Poor feeding, irritability
- Temperature of 100.4 F (rectal)or greater, or less than 97.5 F (rectal)
- Signs and symptoms of infection (redness, swelling and fever)
- "Pink eye"
| Yes |
No |
Contact Your Health Care Provider. |
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Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:
- After diagnosis of blocked tear duct is confirmed:
- Wash hands prior to handling baby
- Massage little sac where tears accumulate in the corner of the eye, 2-3 times per day, stop massage and call, if signs and symptoms of infection appear (see Urgent)
- Remove any collection of mucus in corner of the eye with clean, wet cotton ball
- Use antibiotic ointment or drops only as recommended by your Health Care Provider
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Go Back
Call Your Health Care Provider If: |
| Your child does not get better, new symptoms appear, you are concerned in any way or you have questions. |
