What are blocked tear ducts?

Tears are needed to keep your eye moist and healthy. Tears are made in your tear glands which are underneath your top eyelid.

Every time you blink, tears are moved towards the inside corner of your eye. Tears usually drain away through small openings near your nose. These openings are on the upper and lower eyelids.

The tears then drain through narrow tubes called tear ducts. They then drain into your nose. This is why your nose runs when you cry.

If you have a blocked tear duct, then your tears will not drain out of your eye.

What causes a blocked tear duct?

About 1 in 20 babies are born with a blocked tear duct. The duct might not be fully developed. Sometimes the tear duct is too narrow to let the tears drain away.

Adults get blocked tear ducts too. This can happen from an infection. It can also happen from an injury to the eye.

Other things can cause watery eyes too. For example, your eyes might make extra tears if they are irritated by dust or chemicals. The tears help get rid of the thing that is irritating the eye.

What are the symptoms of a blocked tear duct?

Common symptoms of a blocked tear duct are:

• watery eyes
• sticky white or yellow discharge

This discharge can get crusty, especially after sleeping.

Sometimes a tear duct can get infected. Signs of an infection in babies can be:

• discharge that is stickier than normal
• green discharge
• swollen and red eyelids
• sensitivity to light

A baby may sometimes squeeze their eyes shut.

Eye infections can also happen in adults. This can cause pain and blurred vision.

When should I see a doctor?

Talk to your doctor if you or your child has watery, sore or irritated eyes. You should also see a doctor if:

• you or your baby have sore, red or itchy eyes
• if there is discharge coming out of your eye
• if you can’t see properly
• if your eyes are sensitive to light

You should also see a doctor if you show any other signs of a blocked tear duct or an eye infection.

How is the cause of blocked tear duct diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine your eyes. They might then refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

The doctor may put dye in your eye. This is used to see if tears drain through the tear duct. If your tear duct is blocked the tears might overflow down your face.

The doctor might use a very small probe to see where the blockage is.

Sometimes the ophthalmologist might recommend an x-ray.

How is blocked tear duct treated?

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 using a damp cloth or cotton wool.

It’s important to wash your hands very well before and after you clean the eye.

Sometimes a doctor will show you how to massage the eye. This can help the tear duct to become clear of the blockage.

If it is still blocked after the age of one, an ophthalmologist might need to open up the tear duct. This is an operation and will need to be done under general anaesthetic.

In adults, treatment depends on what is causing the blocked tear ducts. You may need surgery in hospital to bypass the blockage. Some people need to have an artificial duct put in. This is also done so that tears can drain properly.

If you have an infection, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics.

Can blocked tear ducts be prevented?

Eye infections are a common cause of a blocked tear duct in adults. To lower your risk of getting an eye infection:

• wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water
• try not to rub your eyes
• do not share eye cosmetics

If you wear contact lenses, talk to your optician about the best way to use, store and clean them.

Resources and support

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby has more information on sticky eye in babies.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.