How is duct obstruction treated?
When obstruction is persistent, one or more of the following treatments may be recommended: tear duct massage, topical antibiotic eye drops, tear duct probing, balloon tear duct dilation, and tear duct intubation.
How do I unblock my lacrimal gland?
The pressure of the massage can pop open the membrane that covers the tear duct.
- Antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
- Tear Duct Probing. If your child’s tear duct doesn’t open on its own by age one, the doctor can do a procedure to remove the blockage.
- Balloon Catheter Dilation.
What happens if the lacrimal sac is blocked?
A blockage can occur at any point in the tear drainage system, from the puncta to your nose. When that happens, your tears don’t drain properly, giving you watery eyes and increasing your risk of eye infections and inflammation.
How can I clear my tear duct naturally?
Place a clean index finger between the inner corner of the eye and the side of the nose. Gently slide the index finger downwards while massaging the side of the nose. You can repeat it around 10 times in the morning and 10 times at night. You may also use warm compresses to relieve itching and irritation.
How do you unclog a tear duct in adults?
For a narrowed punctum, your doctor can use a small probe to widen it. They’ll then flush or irrigate the tear duct with a saline solution. This is an outpatient procedure. If an injury caused the blockage, your best approach may be to wait several weeks to see if it heals on its own without any treatment.
How long does a blocked tear duct take to clear?
Often a blocked tear duct clears up on its own, especially in babies under 6 months old. If your child has a blocked tear duct, your doctor may show you how to massage the eye several times a day at home for a few months.