Tear Duct Obstruction in Children and Babies
Tears keep the eyes moist, providing natural protection against dust, germs, and foreign substances. The fluid secreted by the tear glands spreads to the surface of the eye with each blink, and the excess is removed through the tear ducts. into the nose is emptied.
When a blockage occurs in this system, tears do not flow out and watering of the eyes, discharge it leads to complaints such as.
Frequently asked questions?
What is Tear Duct Obstruction?
Tear duct obstruction is quite common in infants and children.
It is usually a congenital condition and can often resolve spontaneously within the baby's first year.
Blockage;
-Tear ducts are congenitally narrow or closed
-Damages caused by eye infections
-With trauma or anatomical disorders
can develop.
It is usually a congenital condition and can often resolve spontaneously within the baby's first year.
Blockage;
-Tear ducts are congenitally narrow or closed
-Damages caused by eye infections
-With trauma or anatomical disorders
can develop.
What are the symptoms of tear duct obstruction?
The following symptoms may indicate a blocked tear duct in infants or children:
- Constant watering of the eyes (especially increases in cold and windy weather)
- Redness or pinkness in the eyes
- Eye discharge or yellowish discharge
- Inflammatory fluid coming out of the eye when the root of the nose is pressed
- Crust around the eyes
- Adhesion of the eyelids
- In advanced cases, swelling at the root of the nose
These symptoms are usually more pronounced in the morning.
- Constant watering of the eyes (especially increases in cold and windy weather)
- Redness or pinkness in the eyes
- Eye discharge or yellowish discharge
- Inflammatory fluid coming out of the eye when the root of the nose is pressed
- Crust around the eyes
- Adhesion of the eyelids
- In advanced cases, swelling at the root of the nose
These symptoms are usually more pronounced in the morning.
What is the Treatment for Tear Duct Obstruction?
Treatment is determined by the child's age, the severity of symptoms, and the duration of the obstruction.
1. Massage (Canal Massage - Crigler Technique)
It is the most commonly used method in the first 12 months.
A special massage at the root of the nose encourages the opening of the channel.
The massage technique is demonstrated by the specialist ophthalmologist and applied at home by the family.
2. Antibiotic Eye Drops
If inflammation or infection has developed, antibiotic drops or ointment are applied under the supervision of a doctor.
3. Channel Drilling
If the blockage has not gone away after one month, the tear duct is opened with a special metal probe.
The procedure is usually brief and can be performed under light sedation if necessary.
4. Surgical Intervention (Dacryocystorhinostomy - DCR)
If probing is unsuccessful or the canal is completely blocked, surgical treatment may be necessary after age 3.
With this procedure, the tear duct is rerouted into the nose.
1. Massage (Canal Massage - Crigler Technique)
It is the most commonly used method in the first 12 months.
A special massage at the root of the nose encourages the opening of the channel.
The massage technique is demonstrated by the specialist ophthalmologist and applied at home by the family.
2. Antibiotic Eye Drops
If inflammation or infection has developed, antibiotic drops or ointment are applied under the supervision of a doctor.
3. Channel Drilling
If the blockage has not gone away after one month, the tear duct is opened with a special metal probe.
The procedure is usually brief and can be performed under light sedation if necessary.
4. Surgical Intervention (Dacryocystorhinostomy - DCR)
If probing is unsuccessful or the canal is completely blocked, surgical treatment may be necessary after age 3.
With this procedure, the tear duct is rerouted into the nose.