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Blocked tear duct
5-minute read
Key facts
- Tears naturally drain away through a narrow tube near your eye, called a tear duct. This duct can sometimes get blocked.
- Common symptoms of a blocked tear duct include watery eyes and a sticky white or yellow discharge that can become crusty.
- Babies can be born with blocked tear ducts, but this often resolves on its own without treatment by one year of age.
- In adults, how you treat a blocked tear duct depends on what is causing the blockage.
What causes a blocked tear duct?
Tears form to keep the eye moist. They usually drain away through small openings near the nose, on each of the upper and lower eyelids. Then they travel through narrow tubes called tear ducts before draining into the nose. This is why your nose runs when you cry.
About 1 in 20 babies are born with a blocked tear duct. The duct might not be fully developed, or it might be too narrow. This then causes a blockage.
Adults get blocked tear ducts too, often from an infection, or as a result of an injury.
Females who have gone through menopause might also develop blocked tear ducts.
Other things can cause watery eyes too. For example, your eyes might produce extra tears to fight irritation and dryness caused by dry eye syndrome.
Talk to your doctor if you or your child has watery, sore or irritated eyes.
What are the symptoms of a blocked tear duct?
Common symptoms of a blocked tear duct include watery eyes and a sticky white or yellow discharge that can become crusty, especially after sleeping.
Sometimes a tear duct can get infected. Signs of an infection in babies include:
- discharge that is stickier than normal
- green discharge
- swollen red eyelids
- sensitivity to light
A baby may also frequently squeeze their eyes shut. Infections can also occur in adults and can cause pain and blurred vision.
See a doctor if you or your child show any symptoms of an eye infection.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
How will my doctor diagnose my blocked tear duct?
Your doctor will examine you or your child's eyes. They might then refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Tests could involve using dye, to see if tears drain through the tear duct or overflow. Sometimes the ophthalmologist might recommend an x-ray, or they might use a fine probe to check where the blockage is.
If you have an infection, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic.
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How can I treat my blocked tear duct?
Most babies with blocked tear ducts get better before they are one year of age. Until that happens, you can wipe away tears and sticky discharge with a damp cloth or cotton wool. It is important to thoroughly clean your hands before and after you clean the eye.
If the tear duct doesn't open properly by the time the child is aged one, an ophthalmologist might use a fine probe to open up the tear duct. This is done under general anaesthetic.
In adults, treatment will depend on what is causing the blocked tear ducts. If surgery is needed, it will involve bypassing the blockage by creating a new passageway or implanting an artificial duct so that tears can drain properly.
Can I prevent my tear duct from becoming blocked?
Eye infections are a common cause of a blocked tear duct in adults. To reduce your risk of getting an eye infection, wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water. Try not to rub your eyes, and don't share eye cosmetics.
If you wear contact lenses, talk to your optician about the best way to use, store and clean them.
Where to get help
If you have symptoms, the Symptom Checker can help you decide what to do next.
Find a doctor or ophthalmologist near you with the service finder function.