Tear Duct Obstruction in Children and Infants
Tears help keep the eyes moist, protecting and maintaining their health. Some infants and children may have congenital or acquired tear duct obstructions. This condition is especially common in newborns and typically resolves within the first 12 months without requiring any treatment.
Tears produced by the lacrimal glands spread over the eye's surface each time we blink, and excess fluid drains into the nose through tear ducts. Partial or complete blockage of the tear duct prevents the normal drainage of tears into the nose. Tear ducts may be narrow or closed at birth, or they may become blocked later.
Symptoms of Tear Duct Obstruction in Children and Infants
Tear duct obstruction in children and infants can present with various symptoms. The most common ones are:
Treatment of Tear Duct Obstruction in Children and Infants
Treatment for tear duct obstruction in children and infants depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:
If massage, drops, and probing do not work or do not completely resolve the obstruction, surgical intervention (dacryocystorhinostomy) may be necessary after the child reaches the age of 3.
Cost of Tear Duct Obstruction Treatment in Children and Infants
The cost of tear duct obstruction treatment in children and infants varies depending on the underlying cause and the procedure to be performed. The treatment plan prepared by our specialist eye doctor after a detailed examination can vary from person to person.
For appointment and price information, please click here.The above information is for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please make an appointment with our doctors.