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| |    Blocked Tear Ducts by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. Normally, tears are cleared from the eye through small tubes known as tear ducts that extend from the eye into the nose. When these ducts are blocked, a baby's tears flow down her cheek or build up and dry out, leaving clumps of yellowish discharge or matter in the eye. Blocked tear ducts are very common in newborns and young babies. Although they can be a nuisance, they almost never pose a serious problem. What you can do The blockage and build up of discharge make a baby more prone to eye infections, so until the ducts open, be sure to clean your infant's eyes very gently with a soft, clean, moist washcloth. Sometimes a slightly warm compress helps loosen the secretions and makes them easier to remove. Ask your child's healthcare provider to show you how to best clean your child's eyes. What to expect Blocked tear ducts generally open up by themselves within the first few weeks to months of life. Sometimes massaging the ducts helps them open sooner, so ask your provider if he thinks massaging the ducts will help in your child's case. Once in a while, a minor surgical procedure is required to open them up. Your provider will let you know if the time comes to explore this kind of treatment. When to seek help If the amount of discharge increases or if the white part of your child's eyelids becomes red or swollen, she may have developed an infection, even if she doesn't have a telltale fever. If your child develops these symptoms, she should be checked by her healthcare provider so he can prescribe a course of antibiotics if necessary.
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