How to Unclog Tears

It could be a sign of a blocked tear duct if your eyes are often watery and swollen. A blocked tear duct occurs when there is an infection or another, more serious cause. Usually, a blocked tear duct can be treated with massage, but if additional treatment is needed, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or recommend surgery to open the tear duct.

Table of Contents

Diagnosing tear duct obstruction

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/da/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/da/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Know the cause of tears. A blocked tear duct (also called sacral cystitis) occurs when there is a blockage in the line between the eye and the nose. This condition is quite common in newborns, but it can also happen to adults when they have an infection, injury or tumor. The following are common causes: ^{[1] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Congenital occlusion of the tear ducts, usually in newborns
Age-related changes
Eye infection
Injuries to the face
Tumor
Being treated for cancer

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/df/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/df/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Recognize the signs of a blocked tear duct. The most common symptom is more tears coming out and running down the face. When the tear ducts are blocked, the tears will be a little thicker than usual and leave streaks after drying. Other symptoms include:

Inflamed eyes or recurrent infections
Blurred eyes
There is mucus or pus-like discharge in the eyelids
Tears flow with blood
Fever

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/79/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/79/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

See a doctor for a diagnosis. You must have a medical professional perform a physical exam to diagnose a blocked tear duct. A common infection can cause a blocked tear duct, but that doesn’t rule out a tumor or other serious problem, so it’s important to see your doctor.

To check for blocked tear ducts, the doctor uses a dye solution to wash the eyes. If your tears don’t come out normally and you can’t taste the solution in your throat, this is a clear sign of a blocked tear duct.
Your doctor also asks you to describe the symptoms because they are of great clinical value so they can rule out other eye problems, such as congenital conjunctivitis and cataracts.
Other tests may include an X-ray or a computed tomography scan of the tear duct (called a dacryocystogram).

Self-catheterization at home

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/33/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/33/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Regularly clean around the eyes. Use a clean towel and warm water to wipe away the tears several times a day so as not to obstruct vision. This is especially important if the tearing is caused by an infection, because if you don’t wipe it off, the other eye will also get infected.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/ea/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ea/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use a warm compress to stimulate tears. Warm compresses can widen the tear ducts and make it easier for the water to drain. Press the bag over the tear duct for three to five minutes, up to five times daily until the blockage clears.

To make a warm compress, you can use a washcloth dipped in warm water or soak a cotton ball in warm water or chamomile tea (chamomile tea has soothing properties).
Do not use a hot pack, or it will cause redness and pain.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/32/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/32/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Tear bag massage. People use massage to widen the tear ducts and increase the flow through them. You should ask your doctor to teach you how to self-massage or how to massage your child to open the tear ducts. To do this, place two index fingers in the inner corner of the eye, near the edge of the bridge of the nose.

Squeeze your finger on this point for a few seconds, then release. Repeat this movement 3 to 5 times per day.
Always remember to wash your hands before massaging the lacrimal sac to avoid introducing bacteria into the eye and causing an infection.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/40/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/40/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Put breast milk in your eyes to kill bacteria. This method works well for babies, because breast milk has antibacterial properties that can fight infections in the tear ducts, while also lubricating the eyes to minimize irritation. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Put a few drops of breast milk on the tip of your index finger, then let the milk drip from your finger into your baby’s infected eye. You should repeat this procedure up to six times per day.
With that said, you need to thoroughly wash your hands before doing so to avoid introducing bacteria into your baby’s eyes.

Apply medical treatments

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/65/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/65/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use antibiotic eye drops instead of oral medications. For mild infections, doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotic eye drops instead of oral medications.

To use eye drops, shake the bottle well and tilt your head back, then instill the correct number of drops in your eyes. Close your eyes for 30 seconds to a minute to let the medicine soak in.
Always wash your hands before applying the drops to avoid getting bacteria into your eyes. After instilling the medicine, you must also wash your hands.
For children, the process is similar, but you should ask another person to support so that the baby does not move when the medicine is applied.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e7/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e7/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Take antibiotics to fight a tear duct infection. If the blocked tear duct is caused by an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for you to take. Antibiotics are substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria in a specific area of the body.

Erythromycin is the most common drug used to treat blocked tear ducts. It prevents bacteria from growing or multiplying by interfering with the bacterial protein production cycle.
The usual dose of erythromycin is one 250mg tablet, taken four times daily. However, this dose varies depending on the severity of the infection and the age of the patient, so you should follow your doctor’s instructions.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/13/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/13/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use a lacrimal catheter and rinse. Tissue dilatation, dipstick insertion, and rinsing are minimally invasive treatments performed by doctors to unclog the tear ducts. This procedure requires anesthesia and lasts about 30 minutes.

The procedure is done by enlarging the tear points (two very small holes in the eyelids) through a tiny metal dilator. They then insert the dipstick into the passage until it touches the nose, then the doctor uses a sterile solution to clean the passage.
If you (or your child) need this treatment, it’s important to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen for two weeks before surgery, or you’ll bleed.
Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before the procedure.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/73/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear- a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/73/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear- Duct-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Consider using the internal communication method. Endotracheal intubation is also a minimally invasive treatment, similar to dipstick and flushing, whose purpose is to clear the blockage in the tear duct. The patient also needs to be anesthetized for this procedure.

With endotracheal intubation, the doctor uses a thin tube to pass through the tear bag at the corner of the eye until it reaches the nose. The tube is left in place for three to four months to clear the tear duct and prevent it from becoming blocked again.
It is difficult to notice a tube in the corner of the eye, but after surgery you must take precautions to avoid infection. Do not rub your eyes to prevent displacement or damage to the tube, and always remember to wash your hands before touching your eyes.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/67/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked- Tear-Duct-Step-12.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/67/Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-12.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-a-Blocked-Tear-Duct-Step-12.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Surgery is the last resort. Surgery is only an option of last resort when it is not possible to unclog the tear duct with the measures described above. You then have to undergo surgery to open the lacrimal sac (dacryocystorhinostomy) to completely remove the blockage.

A lacrimal bag access surgery is performed by a doctor by creating another connection between the tear duct and the nose, allowing tears to flow through it.
For laser surgery, they will use an endoscope combined with a laser to cut through the tissue. The laser will cut a hole in the nasal bone to connect the tear gland to the nasal cavity.
They then inserted a fistula into the tear duct, which acts as the tear duct.

Advice

Most babies are born with pouchitis (blockage of the tear duct) but the condition improves over a few months as the lacrimal system develops more fully.

Steps

Diagnosing tear duct obstruction

Self-catheterization at home

Apply medical treatments

Advice

Related Posts