Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland located in the upper outer portion of each eye. They usually drain from the eye through small tubes called tear ducts or nasolacrimal ducts(NLD) that stretch from the eye into the nose. A blocked tear duct occurs when the opening of the duct that allows tears to drain from the eyes is obstructed or fails to open correctly. If a tear duct remains blocked, the tear duct sac fills with fluid and may become swollen and inflamed, and sometimes infected.
In babies, the most common reason of NLD Block is the failure of the thin tissue at the end of the tear duct to open correctly.
Other less common causes of NLD Block in children include:
Usually, the first symptom of NLD Block is excessive tearing, ranging from a wet appearance of the eye to tears running down the cheek. Babies who have blocked NLD usually have symptoms within the first few days to the first few weeks after birth. If infection occurs in the eye’s drainage system, you may see redness and swelling (inflammation) around the eye or nose. Also, yellow mucus can build up in the corner of the eye, and the eyelids may stick together. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the eyelids and the area around the eye.
The symptoms of a blocked tear duct may get worse after an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or sinus infection. Also, symptoms may be more noticeable after exposure to wind, cold, and sunlight.
