There are many causes of tearing in children but the most common cause is related to a congenital (something you are born with) obstruction (blockage) of the lower portion of the tear duct (nasolacrimal duct).
The tear duct is designed to be blocked whilst the baby is in the uterus. The tear duct then opens at or shortly after birth, designed to occur when babies start to make more tears at a few days to weeks after birth. Up to 1 in 5 babies are born with blocked tear ducts, fortunately most of these will resolve spontaneously (see below for statistics). Overall 95% of babies with tearing from a blocked tear duct will get better by their first birthday without any treatment.
It is important to realise that it is unusual for your child to start tearing anew, beyond the first few months of life. If this occurs, it is important to have your child examined for any other causes of tearing.
Statistics
- If your child is still tearing at 3 months of age, he/she has 80% chance that it will clear by 1 year of age.
- If your child is still tearing at 6 months of age, he/she has 70% chance that it will clear by 1 year of age.
- If your child is still tearing at 9 months of age, he/she has 50% chance that it will clear by 1 year of age.
What are the symptoms?
Parents will note watery eyes within a few weeks of birth. Babies will also have mucus discharge especially in the mornings, this will cause the lashes to stick together and “clump”.
This accumulation of mucus is just the normal production of mucus by the surface lining of the eyeball (conjunctiva) that can’t be drained away because of the blocked tear duct. This is not conjunctivitis unless the surface of the eyeball becomes red and inflamed. Antibiotic drops should only be used if there is true conjunctivitis.
Who is suitable for tear duct surgery?
What does the treatment involve?
Medical Management – 4 times daily massage of the tear sac. When your child has conjunctivitis, a course of antibiotic drops or ointment may be required.
Irrigation and Probing – Passing a probe down the duct while your child is under general anaesthetic will clear the blockage of the tear duct in about 80% of cases.
Silicone intubation – If the probe passes down the tear duct but your child continues to tear after the procedure then silicone stents are placed in the system and left in for approximately 3 months. Your child will then also require a very short general anaesthetic when the tubes are removed.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) – If the tear duct is blocked by bone or the tearing continues after the stent is removed, your child may need an operation called a Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). During the surgery an alternate pathway is made for the tears to flow into the nose to by-pass the blocked tear duct.
How will my child look immediately after surgery?
What is the recovery time?
What are the risks?
The risk is very low. When probing the tear outflow system a false passage can be formed. An intimate knowledge of the system and a broad experience in the area will significantly reduce the risk of this occurring.
A general anaesthetic also carries risk, this risk reduces to the level of an adult at about the age of 6 months, assuming the anaesthetist is experienced in paediatric anaesthesia.
How long do the results of the surgery last?
Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this surgery?
Contact us to discuss treatment options for Blepharoplasty
The Chatswood Eye Specialists Clinic has been servicing the community of Chatswood for over 35 years. In 2016 we moved to our brand new clinic in the Chatswood Private Hospital building on Albert Avenue. This new and exciting consulting suite features the latest ophthalmology equipment and technology. Our Eye Specialists are leaders in their field and our highly trained Orthoptists are on hand to take you through any tests that may be required during your visit. Please feel free to call one of the friendly reception staff if you would like to enquire about any of our services.