Blocked Tear Duct: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Blocked Tear Duct?
A blocked tear duct is usually checked by an ophthalmologist, an eye doctor, or for children by a pediatric ophthalmologist. Babies with simple cases are often first seen by a pediatrician, a children's doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a blocked tear duct?
A blocked tear duct is a partial or complete blockage in the pathway that carries tears from the surface of the eye into the nose. Tears drain through a tiny opening in the corner of the eye called the punctum, which leads into the tear duct. When the duct is blocked, tears build up and overflow onto the cheek, even when you are not crying. Doctors also call it dacryostenosis or nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Symptoms
The main symptom is increased tearing, called epiphora. Tears overflow onto the face or cheek. In babies, this shows up in the first 2 to 3 weeks after birth. Other signs include:
- Tears that look thicker or dry into crusts.
- Pus in the eyes or eyelids stuck together, which can mean conjunctivitis, an eye infection.
- Red, irritated skin around the eyes from constant wiping of tears.
Blockage can also raise the chance of other eye infections.
Causes and who gets it
In children, the duct may not be fully developed at birth. It may be closed or covered by a thin film. This is the most common cause in infants, and about 6 to 20 percent of newborns have symptoms. In adults, the duct can be damaged by an infection, an injury, or a tumor. Proper treatment of nasal infections and conjunctivitis may lower the risk, and protective eyewear can prevent injury-related blockage, but many cases cannot be prevented.
How doctors diagnose it
Most of the time the doctor needs no tests. The doctor looks at the eyes and asks about the tearing. If needed, tests include an eye exam, a fluorescein eye stain, a special dye that shows how tears drain, and rarely an X-ray of the tear duct. A red, swollen, tender bump on the side of the nose next to the eye can be dacryocystitis, an infection of the tear sac.
Treatment
Clean the eyelids with a warm, wet washcloth when tears leave crusts. For infants, gentle massage may help: with a clean finger, rub from the inside corner of the eye toward the nose, 2 to 3 times a day. Most infant cases open on their own by age 1; more than 90 percent recover by their first birthday. If not, a probing procedure, usually done under general anesthesia so the child is asleep, is almost always successful. In adults, the underlying cause must be treated. Surgery with tiny tubes or stents may be needed to restore tear drainage. Dacryocystitis often needs oral antibiotics, and sometimes the tear sac must be drained surgically.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if tears overflow onto the cheek; earlier treatment works better. In babies, call the doctor promptly if there is pus or the eyelids are stuck together, because these can be signs of an eye infection. A red, swollen bump beside the eye also needs prompt care. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if that bump comes with a fever or unusual fussiness. This infection of the tear sac can lead to sepsis, a dangerous reaction to infection, or meningitis, an infection of the lining around the brain. In adults with a tumor, early treatment may be life-saving.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can look at a watery or infected eye, teach the massage technique for babies, and refer you to an eye doctor when probing or surgery is possible. They can also check back during the first year to see if the duct has opened.
Common questions
Do babies outgrow a blocked tear duct?
Most do. About 70 percent are symptom-free by 3 months, and more than 90 percent recover by their first birthday. If it lasts past that, probing works well.
How do you massage a baby's tear duct?
Use a clean finger. Rub gently from the inside corner of the eye toward the nose, 2 to 3 times a day. Ask your doctor to show you the technique first.
Can adults get blocked tear ducts?
Yes. In adults the duct can be damaged by infection, injury, or a tumor. The cause must be treated, and surgery with tiny tubes or stents may be needed.
What is dacryocystitis?
It is an infection of the tear sac, the small pouch beside the corner of the eye. It causes a red, swollen bump on the side of the nose. It often needs oral antibiotics.
Sources
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - Blocked tear duct
- NCBI Bookshelf, StatPearls - Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
