Watery eyes in babies: could it be a blocked tear duct?

How a blocked tear duct can cause watery eyes

Tears protect the eye surface and normally drain through tiny openings at the inner eyelid into the nose. In some babies this pathway is not fully open after birth. Tears can then collect at the eye or overflow onto the cheek.

One or both eyes may be affected, and symptoms can become more noticeable during a cold. This pattern does not prove there is a blocked duct: irritation, infection and, rarely, other eye conditions can also cause tearing.

Which signs suggest a tear drainage problem?

These observations are useful during an examination but cannot establish a diagnosis. New or significant symptoms in a young infant should be assessed promptly.

• Repeated tearing when your baby is not crying.
• Wet eyelashes and crusting or discharge along the eyelid.
• An eye that repeatedly becomes sticky without marked redness of the white of the eye.

Gentle care parents can provide at home

Cleaning removes discharge but does not open the drainage pathway. Tear-duct massage may be recommended in some cases. Ask a clinician whether it is appropriate for your baby and have the technique demonstrated first; do not press on the eyeball.

• Wash your hands before and after cleaning the eye.
• Gently remove discharge from the closed eyelid with a clean damp compress, using a fresh one for each eye.
• Avoid rubbing the eye or forcefully removing crusts.
• Do not put breast milk, chamomile or other home remedies into the eye. Use eye drops only on medical advice.

When should you seek urgent medical advice?

A painful red swelling near the inner corner of the eye may indicate an infection of the tear sac. Do not wait for a routine appointment. Seek prompt assessment for:

• Fever, an unwell baby or increasing swelling around the eye.
• Marked eye redness, pain or strong sensitivity to light.
• A cloudy-looking cornea, an unusually large-looking eye or unusual visual behaviour.
• An injury, possible foreign body or a sudden significant change in symptoms.

Will the tear duct open on its own?

Many congenital tear drainage blockages improve on their own during the first year. Once the diagnosis is established, observation with appropriate follow-up is often an option. The decision depends on age, symptoms and any infections.

If symptoms persist or infections recur, the eye doctor will discuss further treatment. Probing or another procedure is not necessary for every baby; the timing and approach are decided individually.

Assessment by a paediatric eye doctor in Glattpark

The examination includes the eyelids, eye surface and tear drainage area to establish whether a drainage problem is likely or another cause requires treatment.

For a planned assessment, contact the children's eye practice at Lux Augenzentrum, Thurgauerstrasse 105, 8152 Glattpark (Opfikon), on 044 251 11 21. For urgent warning signs, seek immediate medical help rather than waiting for an online booking.

This guide provides general information and does not replace an individual examination. Its medical basis is the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) parent information on nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Frequently asked questions