Causes and Symptoms of Blocked Trear Duct in Children

Why Does My Child’s Eye Keep Tearing, Even When They Are Not Crying?

Persistent tearing in children is a common symptom that may lead parents to seek an eye examination. It is important to understand that excessive tearing is not a disease by itself, but rather a symptom that can have several different causes.

One of the most common causes of persistent tearing in children is a blocked tear duct present from birth (Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction – CNLDO).

Does this mean that every child with persistent tearing has a blocked tear duct?

No.

There are several possible causes of excessive tearing in children. However, a blocked tear duct present from birth is one of the most common and may occur in approximately 20% of newborns.

What does a blocked tear duct mean?

Normally, after tears have moistened the surface of the eye, they drain through small openings in the eyelids. From there, they pass through the tear drainage system and eventually reach the nose.

In some children, however, the tear duct is not completely open at birth.

In most cases, the blockage is caused by a thin membrane that closes the lower end of the tear duct, near its opening inside the nose. This membrane is often referred to as Hasner’s membrane.

In less common cases, the blockage may be more complex and may result from abnormal development of the tear drainage system.

The blockage prevents tears from draining normally into the nose. As a result, tears and secretions may build up within the tear drainage system, particularly in the tear sac.

What symptoms may the child develop?

A blocked tear duct may cause several symptoms, including:

• Persistent tearing, even when the child is not crying.
• Repeated mucus or pus-like discharge from the eye.
• Sticky eyelashes, especially after waking up.
• Repeated episodes of eye redness or conjunctivitis.
• Inflammation or infection of the tear sac (Dacryocystitis).

It is important to emphasize that persistent tearing does not necessarily mean that the child has a blocked tear duct, as many other conditions can cause excessive tearing in children.

Therefore, an eye examination is important to determine the cause and decide whether the child needs observation, treatment, or further evaluation.