A blocked tear duct, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction, is a frequent condition affecting nearly 20% of newborns. It occurs when the thin membrane at the end of the tear duct fails to open properly at birth, preventing normal drainage. While the resulting watery appearance and “sticky” discharge can be concerning for parents, the condition is typically a minor developmental delay rather than a serious health risk. Most cases are painless and resolve naturally as the infant’s facial structure matures, requiring only simple home care and observation.
Discover why “sticky eyes” happen and master the gentle massage techniques used to clear newborn tear duct blockages.
To understand a blockage, it helps to know how the “plumbing” of the eye works. Our eyes are constantly producing tears to stay lubricated. Usually, these tears flow across the surface of the eye and drain into tiny openings in the corners of the eyelids, traveling through the nasolacrimal duct and into the nose. (This is exactly why your nose runs when you cry!)
In many newborns, this drainage system isn’t fully functional at birth. When the duct is blocked, the tears have nowhere to go, so they back up and spill over the eyelid, often becoming thick or “gooey” as the water evaporates.
The most common reason is congenital tear duct blockage. Most babies are born with a thin membrane covering the end of the tear duct where it enters the nose. In about one in five infants, this membrane doesn’t open properly or “pop” at birth as it should.
Other causes can include:
The hallmark of a blocked duct is watery eyes in newborns that persist even when the baby is calm. You might also notice:
Is it an infection? Parents often worry about pink eye (conjunctivitis). The key difference is that with a blocked duct, the white part of the eye usually remains white and clear. If the eyeball itself looks red or the eyelids are significantly swollen, it’s time to call the doctor.
Diagnosis is usually straightforward. Your pediatrician will perform a gentle eye examination and ask about your baby’s medical history. They might apply a tiny amount of pressure near the tear sac to see if fluid is expressed. In most cases, no specialized tests are needed, the clinical signs speak for themselves.
The primary treatment for a blocked duct is actually time.
About 90% of blocked tear ducts clear up on their own by the time a baby reaches their first birthday. As the baby’s face grows, the drainage system naturally expands, and the obstructing membrane usually opens up spontaneously.
Your doctor might recommend a specific massage technique. By applying gentle pressure with your clean index finger on the side of the baby’s nose (near the tear sac), you can create a small amount of pressure that helps “pop” the membrane at the bottom of the duct. Your pediatrician can show you the correct upward-to-downward motion.
To keep your baby comfortable:
If the discharge becomes green or the eye looks irritated, your doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops to clear up a localized infection.
In the rare event that the duct is still blocked after 10 to 12 months, a pediatric ophthalmologist may perform a tear duct probing. This is a quick, minor procedure where a thin wire is used to manually open the blockage while the baby is under light anesthesia.
While most cases are mild, keep an eye out for these “red flags”:
Since this is almost always a developmental issue that happens before birth, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it. However, keeping the eye clean and performing the recommended massages can prevent secondary infections and complications.
Blocked tear ducts can look dramatic, constant tearing, sticky lashes, endless wiping, but they’re usually harmless. For most babies, it’s simply a sign that the tear drainage system is still catching up. With gentle cleaning, proper massage, and time, the problem often fades quietly. Knowing this helps parents worry less, intervene appropriately, and focus on what matters most: enjoying these fleeting newborn days.
When tear duct symptoms persist or infections recur, expert evaluation matters. Dr. Lav Kochgaway combines clinical expertise with a child-focused approach to assess infant tear duct concerns and recommend safe, age-appropriate care. Early guidance can prevent unnecessary worry and ensure healthy eye development.
Schedule a consultation for reassurance and expert insight.
Blocked tear ducts are a frequent occurrence in newborns, affecting many infants during the first months as their tear drainage system develops and matures.
Most infants with blocked tear ducts experience no discomfort, though mild irritation or eye rubbing may occasionally occur if discharge or mucus builds up.
Many blocked tear ducts resolve naturally within the first year, often improving gradually with gentle massage and proper eye hygiene.
Blocked tear ducts do not interfere with normal vision development, though persistent discharge may require monitoring to prevent secondary eye infections.