El constant tearing in babies is a very alarming symptom that is usually associated with eye infections and conjunctivitis bacterial
El blocked tear duct can affect up to 20% of babies. This high incidence is due to the fact that newborns have not yet fully developed the nasolacrimal canal. Incidence data of stenosis of the nasolacrimal ducts (obstructed tear duct) or dacryocystitis rises in newborn babies.
El clogged tear duct It is also known as chronic dacryocystitis or stenosis of the nasolacrimal ducts and this condition usually presents at six months of age and, in most cases, does not trigger major setbacks.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We are experts in pediatric and neonatal ophthalmology and we want to explain what to do if your baby has a blocked tear duct.
What is the obstructed tear duct or rija?
A baby may present excessive tearing for many reasons, although one of the most frequent is a blocked tear duct.
La chronic dacryocystitis It is a disease that occurs when the epiphora or the tearing, which takes place to moisturize the eye structure and clean the eye surface, can't drain properly.
El blocked tear duct in babies usually occurs during the first months of life, due to immaturity or lack of development of the nasolacrimal canal. However, it is also because the tear duct is narrower in babies than in adults and therefore has a higher risk of obstruction.
Another cause of blocked tear duct in babies is blockage of the tear duct by a membrane. In these cases, in addition to tearing, the baby may have a swelling in the lower eyelid, itchy eyes and abundant legacies.
The truth is that any disease that affects a child of such a young age must be evaluated by a pediatric ophthalmologist specialist. It is true that, in most cases, the blocked tear duct in babies usually heals on its own over time.
Very few cases of lacrimal duct stenosis require surgery. minor surgery.
What to do if your baby has a blocked tear duct?
A blocked tear duct in a one-month-old baby is usually due to a congenital malformation and in 90% of the cases the baby presents lumps and purulent secretions during the first year of life, worsening in the period between 8 and the 10 months. Fortunately, Most cases of blocked tear duct in babies are resolved before the child reaches the first year of life..
If your baby has a blocked tear duct, it is important go to the pediatric ophthalmologist to examine the ocular structure, determine what is the cause of chronic dacryocystitis in babies and indicate the appropriate treatment.
Treatment of blocked tear in babies
The first thing that specialists in pediatric ophthalmology recommend is to keep the eyes clean through the following hygiene routine:
- Moisten the eye with physiological serum or distilled water by applying it from one end of the eye and remove the crust with the help of a sterilized gauze.
- Use antiseptic wipes special for ocular use. With these towels you can clean the eye after removing the legañas.
- Gently massage the inner corner of the baby's eye putting a little pressure on the lower eyelid, just in the area where the tear duct joins the nose. This massage must be performed delicately and aims to facilitate the tear's release naturally.
During the drain massageIt is important that you take into account the following recommendations:
- Babies' skin is much more delicate than adult skin. For this reason, it is important that you perform the massage very delicately, avoiding exerting too much pressure so as not to harm the baby.
- Perform the massage with clean hands. Many bacteria are housed on the hands that can infect your baby's eye. Before doing the massage, remember to wash them with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.
- Massage the baby's eye at least 5 times a day, as this is the only way to stimulate the natural drainage of tears and prevent the concentration of legañas.
- Cut your nails. The massage must be done with the tips of your fingers and, if you have long nails, you can harm the baby.
In most cases of blocked tear ducts in babies, they respond correctly to this treatment. On the contrary, it is important to go back to the ophthalmologist.
What to do if the problem persists?
When the baby is one year old and still has symptoms of a blocked tear duct, the pediatric ophthalmologist may evaluate the possibility of eye surgery.
The surgical procedure to treat a blocked tear duct in babies is very simple, non-invasive and painless. Generally, it lasts 15 minutes and is performed under the effects of sedation and anesthetic eye drops.
Treatment consists of uncovering the canal by inserting a catheter at the tear point. The latter will go through the entire tear duct until it reaches the nose to dilate and break the valve that prevents the tear from draining properly.
Once the obstruction of the tear duct is corrected, the baby will no longer have excessive tearing and rheum in the eyes.
If you have a baby with the symptoms we have described above, do not hesitate to make an appointment with any of our specialists in pediatric ophthalmology. In Área Oftalmológica Avanzada we are experts in detecting and treating blocked tear ducts in babies. Call us!
