Some babies always have tears in their eyes due to a blocked tear duct. In most cases the problem solves itself, with massages and a lot of hygiene.
WHY DOES MY BABY HAVE WATERY EYES?
The eyes of babies, children and adults always have tears: they are produced by the lacrimal glands in order to keep the eyes lubricated and clean.
Tears continually drain into thin tubes called nasolacrimal ducts, which run from the eyes to the back of the nose, which is where the tears evaporate. But when the tear ducts are blocked, the tears cannot drain and stagnate in the eyes. Doctors call this problem dacryostenosis.
WHY ARE THE TEAR DUCTS BLOCKED?
There can be two causes:
- The tear ducts have not been fully developed.
- The tear ducts are covered by a thin membrane, a kind of network that prevents the passage of tears. The obstruction can be total, in that case, the child has tears in the eyes all the time, or partial, that is, the tears increase under certain conditions, such as cold, light, or a cold.
Duct obstruction can affect only one eye or both.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY BABY HAS A TEAR BLOCKAGE?
See a pediatrician or ophthalmologist without wasting time. Early diagnosis helps a better evolution.
HOW IS THIS PROBLEM TREATED?
In most children, the blocked duct or ducts open by themselves before the first birthday. The problem can be solved sooner with massages: you have to squeeze the inside of the eye gently, where it meets the nose, and slide your finger down, exerting light pressure. This massage is done two to four times a day; It is not painful, but babies often protest with all their might. Before giving these massages, clean your eyes with warm water or saline.
WHAT IF IT DOESN’T HEAL?
When, despite massage and care, the child continues to have tears in his eyes and infections, the ENT will open the nasolacrimal duct with a very fine tube.
To do this procedure, he will use general anesthesia, but the baby will return home when he wakes up from the anesthesia. In a few children, it is necessary to repeat the operation to keep the nasolacrimal ducts open.
CAN THIS PROBLEM BE COMPLICATED?
Yes, the accumulated tears in the eyes are a breeding ground for germs that cause conjunctivitis.
When your child has an infection in the eyes, they become red and fill with bladder.
Does your baby have an eye infection?