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Dacryostenosis is a blockage in the tear duct that stops tears from draining into the nose. Tears collect on the eyelid and spill over the cheek. Infants show this more than adults. Some cases clear with growth while others need treatment. Exams help identify the level of blockage.
read more about dacryostenosis blocked tear duct ...Tissue at the end of the duct can stay sealed at birth. Narrow ducts can also slow drainage. Infection can cause swelling that blocks the pathway. Trauma or surgery can shift duct structure. Each cause changes the flow pattern.
Tears pool along the lashes. Crusting appears after sleep. Gentle pressure near the nose can release fluid. Redness shows during flare ups. Recurrent discharge appears if infection begins.
Doctors inspect the lid margin and tear duct opening. Pressure on the sac shows how fluid moves. Dye testing helps track tear flow. History helps identify long term blockage. Findings guide treatment steps.
Dacryostenosis, or a blocked tear duct, often improves with time in infants, but follow-up is helpful if tearing and discharge persist. Gentle massage and keeping the eyelids clean can reduce buildup, and a clinician can show the correct technique. If symptoms continue beyond the expected window or infections recur, a simple in-office procedure may be recommended. If you see increasing redness, swelling, fever, or thick discharge, get evaluated promptly.
Many infants open the duct naturally within months.
Yes. Trauma, infection, or tissue changes can cause blockage.
Vision stays clear though tearing can blur the surface at times.
Probing is used when massage and growth do not open the duct.
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction. American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). https://aapos.org/glossary/nasolacrimal-duct-obstruction. Updated on November 13, 2025
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf, NIH). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532873/. Last Update 2023
Blocked Tear Duct (Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17260-blocked-tear-duct-nasolacrimal-duct-obstruction. Last updated on January 19, 2024
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Children. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/education/disease-review/nasolacrimal-duct-obstruction-4. Accessed January 21, 2026