Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction, also known as “tear duct obstruction”, can be congenital or acquired.  Approximately 5% of infants are born with a tear duct blockage which can resolve in 85% of infants by the age of 6-8 months.

Causes:              
The most common cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children is the failure of a membrane within the tear duct to open causing tears to “backup”.  This results in excessive tearing and crusting in the affected eye.

Treatment: After the appropriate diagnosis is made by the pediatric ophthalmologist, treatment may be conservative or surgical.

Treatment options include:

• Conservative management: The first line of treatment and recommended for infants under the age of 6 months, involves “massaging”. This maneuver is performed by using a finger beginning at the inside corner of the eye lid and “dragging” it down the side of the nose several times a day.  Your doctor may also prescribe a topical antibiotic. 
• Surgical management: If conservative methods fail, or if the child is past the age of 6 months to 1 year, surgical intervention may be considered.

• Tear Duct Probing: A tear duct probe ( similar to a wire) is gently inserted into the tear duct passage in the corner of the eyelid and used to open the membrane.  This procedure may be done in the office in smaller children or in an outpatient hospital setting using general anesthesia. Occasionally, a stent (Crawford tube) may be placed under anesthesia and left in place for a few months to keep the tear duct open.  The stent can them be removed in the office.

 
Call one of our offices today to schedule an appointment if you suspect your child has a tear duct problem.