Tear Duct Obstruction in Infants

Tears are vitally important for eye health; tears that keep the corneal layer constantly moist need to be of ideal quality, present in the necessary amount, and have open ducts for a healthy eye structure. Tear duct obstruction is a condition observed in newborn babies as well as in adults. Tear duct obstruction can occur in 1 to 3% of newborn babies. In infants, a membrane-like obstruction forms at the very end of the duct through which tears drain into the nose, and this structure usually opens on its own within the first month after birth. If it does not open, it should be treated under the supervision of a specialist physician.

In all infants and adults, tear glands are located on the outer part of the upper eyelid. Tears secreted by the tear glands travel toward the tear sac, passing through two small tear ducts near the base of the nose. After passing through these, they flow into the nasal cavity. When tear duct obstruction is present in infants, tears begin to accumulate under the eyelids. Swelling toward the cheeks will occur. Along with the swelling, infection can also develop.

Tear duct obstruction is a condition frequently encountered in newborn babies. The most important reason for this is that the lower part of the tear duct has not yet developed. For this reason, tear duct obstruction in infants often resolves on its own as development continues, without the need for intervention. Although the duct obstruction can open on its own, this process should still be monitored by a specialist physician, because the eye is one of the most sensitive organs, and being under a physician's supervision is an important step for newborn babies. You can have the necessary checkups and treatments carried out for your babies at Kayseri Göz Hastanesi.

Symptoms of Tear Duct Obstruction in Infants

Tear duct obstruction in infants has many different symptoms. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, having your baby examined by a specialist physician will be an important step. The symptoms of tear duct obstruction in infants are as follows;

• Crusting in the eyes
• Redness in the eyes
• Constant watering of the eyes
• Swelling under the eyelids and in the area of the nose toward the eyelids

• Discharge from the eye when pressure is applied to the base of the nose.

Treatment of Tear Duct Obstruction in Infants

There are different treatment methods applied following a diagnosis of tear duct obstruction in infants. In most cases, the obstruction in infants resolves on its own. However, when it does not, the first treatment method applied by our physicians, who stand out in searches for Kayseri eye doctors, is massage applied to the tear sac. Thanks to massage performed correctly 4 times a day, the existing obstruction can be resolved. Antibiotic eye drops are used along with massage treatment. If the duct obstruction still continues after all these applications, a treatment called probing is used. And for tear duct obstruction that continues after all these treatments, a tear duct surgery called dacryocystorhinostomy is performed.

You can make an appointment with the experienced physicians of İdeal Göz Clinic for the treatment of tear duct obstruction in infants.