Blocked Tear Duct - Saint Louis, MO

Our baby had this condition too. The dr we go to said he would waite untill after the baby was 12 monthes before he would suggest the probe. Fortuinately it clured it's self! Good luck!

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my youngest had the same problem and one day i took a very warm wash cloth and rubbed over it and it popped it open and he never had trouble again!

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Hi A.,
My son had blocked tearducts in BOTH eyes from birth. We treated with massage, antibiotic eye drops and when it got really bad, steroid eye drops. Our pediatrician told us he'd likely outgrow it by 9 months, but he didn't, so we scheduled an appt. to have the probing right around his first birthday. At 11 months and 3 weeks the ducts opened and he never had issues again! Fortunately we didn't have the probing done earlier (it made me nervous even though our ped. assured us it was totally safe). Our pediatrician said it's always best to wait to do the probing until 12 months b/c often children's ducts open as they grow and the probing isn't necessary. Maybe try to wait another 4 months and re-assess, perhaps your son's duct will open, too! Good luck...

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Hi- My son had the same issue. His tear duct was blocked since birth. My husband and I would massage it when he was littler and clean the puss out constantly. As he got older, we would squeeze it out several times a day. He did have to go and visit with a Pediatric eye doctor at Children's Mercy and she opted to do the probe surgery. My son was 12 months before the surgery was done and the doctor said that his tear duct would have never opened on its own. The bottom duct never connected to the tear sac and the top one was so clogged that there was no way it was going to open up. So, when the doctor used the probe to open his tear duct they also placed a stint in his opening to help it stay open. He is to have that removed next week.

The surgery itself was very nerve wrecking for my husband and I and we were very nervous. The procedure only took about 20 minutes and from the time that we left him to the time that he was back in my arms was around 1 hour. Looking back at it, it was not that bad, but it was very hard for us to let him go. They did use general anesthesia, but by the time we made it to the car he was back to normal. Since his surgery he hasn't had any drainage at all and has been just fine.

We saw Dr. Laura Plummer through Children's Mercy and I loved her. Please let me know if you want to talk more, I would be happy to offer any help or advice-T.

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My daughter had it done... OMG 10years ago.. I'm feeling so old! I was a nervous wreck, I was scared, heaven forbid...IT'S her eye!!! She is just fine, everything went great! You did try the ointment too? That's suppose to be better that the drops. We tried both with no luck. But the surgery isn't bad. Good Luck.

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My daughter had that and we had the surgery. We had Dr. Oscar Cruz and he was great with her and the procedure. My daughter was put under general, but it was for about 1/2 hour. She went in about 8 A.M. and we were with her by 8:30ish and we went home around 9:30 ish when she was back to her fiesty self...She was up and playing by Noon. We were worried too, but it all turned out fine. Let me know if you have any other questions

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i'm sure you'll want to get a second opinion, as well as talk to people who have had it happen to their child, but i did want to tell you that my friend's baby had the surgery around 12 months (i believe they purposely waited till she was a year) and she was terrified too...but was assured it was a routine procedure, and her baby came through it great. just to let you know that it is fairly common. good luck, hope it goes away on its own!

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My little one had a blocked ducted as well... and I just continued to do exactly as you are, massage and cleaning it...

Your little one could simply outgrow it. I would even get advice from an actual eye doctor... there is one in Overland Park.. her name is Jamie Jinks...

http://www.angelfire.com/oz/pediatriceyecare/

Their office is called Pediatric Eye Care. They are incredible and works specifically with children. I took my (at the time) 9 month old there for pink eye. The staff is professional and the place is CLEAN!

It is worth a second opinion, especially from someone who deals with eyes on a daily basis.

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My son had the same thing and it last awhile, we had some drops the dr prescribed for him (cant remember the name) and we had to put the drops in an massage the eye, and it was a good 6mths or more before it healed totally, I would keep doing what your doing and wait until your child is 1yr of age. Our Peditrician said it could take up to a year to heal.

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My daughter had to have the surgery and it was a breeze! He did both eyes because he said that sometimes that the other one gets blocked. She was gone from her room about 45 mins and was running around shortly afterwards. She has had no problems since. Good Luck!

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We went through the same thing with out oldest daughter and we tried everything to avoid the surgery. In the end, nothing worked for us and we had to have the tear duct probed. Although we were terrified to have our baby under anesthesia, the procedure was very short and she came out of it like a champ. If your baby has to have the surgery, we wish for you a positive experience such as the one we had. We have had no tear duct problems in the 4 1/2 years since she had the procedure done, so it was well worth it. Good luck!

My son was premature and also had a blocked tear duct. I was just a nervous as you about the surgery. He was almost 1 year when he went in. I was away from my son for maybe a total of 15 minutes. It's VERY quick. But I completley understand your concerns and think that you should not only talk to the eye doctor about them, but also your pedistrician so you can compare what the both have to say.

I do have to say, I was pretty surprised of how easy and fast the procedure went. My sons eye was perfect from that day on. I know they say there can be some bleeding afterwards, but we never experinced any of that.
Good Luck!

My son's tear duct was blocked for 3 months after birth and I was told that they almost always clear up by themselves by age 1. I wouldn't consider the procedure before that b/c of general anesthesia. If you happen to be breastfeeding, put a few drops in his eye. I finally tried it with my son and it cleared up immediately!

Our son had the same surgery when he was 14 months old. We also used all kinds of eye drops, ointments, massage, and none of it worked. We were pretty nervous about the anesthesia, too. But the surgery lasted only about 5-10 minutes, and it was over. He was in recovery by the time we came back from the cafeteria with drinks! I only recommend taking spare clothes for you and your child because sometimes they get a little sick from the anesthesia, which is normal and passes before they leave the hospital. (My son threw up on me in recovery as soon as I held him!) There really is nothing to worry about. He is almost 13 years old now, and has never had problems since! Good luck!

My son had the surgery. He's 11 now, so I'm having trouble remembering how old he was when we finally opted for the surgery, but I think he was older than 7 months. Depending upon the doctor, I might get a second opinion and wait a bit. The surgery really wasn't a big deal, but at 7 months, I think I might give it a little more time. Of course, if he continues to have infections, that to me would be scarier than the surgery!

A blocked tear duct isn't the end of the world. I used to be a photographer for Sears Portrait Studio and I'd get a kid in the studio with a blocked duct at least a couple times a month. It's a really common problem. I actually heard that the corrective surgery wasn't done til after one yr of age but that may have changed, I don't know. I'm only saying that it's definitly O.K. to be nervous, that makes you a good mom, but it's a routine procedure and your little guy or gal is going to feel better almost imediatly. Good luck with it, I hoope it goes well for you.

I would get a blocked duct and stys until my 20's. I went to a Dr and they advised to wash my eyes with Johnson's Baby Shampoo. It worked. Then I stopped and it happened again. I was in college in Texas, went to a Dr. and they told me to wash my eyes with Johnson's Baby Shampoo. It worked again. I'm now 48 and I wash my eyes with baby shampoo every night and no problems.

I would get a second opinion. My best friends 2 and a half year old has a blocked tear duct, has since she was born. Her doctor, which is actually my kids' as well, told her that he wouldn't even consider the surgery until she was at least four or five. She gets infections in them more than most kids, but she has probably only had maybe three eye infections in her whole life. Seven months seems really young. Hope this helps.

Hi A.,

I know the thought of anesthesia is scary. Just know that all they do is put a mask over baby--no IV drugs. It's kind of like at the dentist. The procedure was so quick!
At the Children's Hospital in Atlanta, they actually let my husband carry my baby back to the OR. By the time she was placed on the table and he had gotten to the door, she was asleep--fast. By the time my hubby made it back to me in the recovery room, the doctor was in there telling me it was over (he took a short cut). When my daughter rolled back, she was already waking up and asking for juice! It was soooo quick. It was also the best thing we did. Try not to worry. Everything will be fine.

God bless!

J.

Our daughter had a blocked tear duct that watered constantly and was making her face sore from being moist all the time. She had the ducts cleaned or probed at about age one and has never had problems since. She is 15 years old. It was scary to have any kind of surgery but it fixed the problem and I was glad that we did it. Good luck!

My youngest brother had the same problem he had two surgeries for it by the age of 2... but he is happy and extremely healthy now... he is almost never sick or anything. Not to worry the surgery will help.

Hi, my son is 15 now, but when he was around 1 he had to have that surgery done too. His tear duct was blocked and he always had tears running down that side because they wouldn't drain. He also had a lazy eye, so we got the surgery done together. Trust me, I was skeptical, but I prayed and asked God to give me a sign that it would be ok, and then I started noticing all of these grown people with a lazy eye and how they didn't seem to have much self-esteem. So only then was I able to ok the surgery with peace. It is no big deal, but that is your baby so I totally understand. Pray about it and wait until you feel peace about it; babies bounce back and don't remember that kind of stuff anyway, so get it out the way.

My daughter had both ducts probed. We were very nervous for the procedure but she did great. It is such a quick procedure. She was only away from us for about 25-30 minutes total. The procedure itself only took about 10 minutes and the doctor filled us in immediately afterward. She did great after the anesthesia. I would suggest doing it even though it is not medically necessary. It will be worth it once the duct is open.

Hi my now 19mo had the same thing as far as blocked tear duct, he grew out of it just like my doc said he would.

I know how nerve racking this can be. My son's doctor wanted to put him to sleep at 4m to get an MRI (they were asking for this because we realized that my son had some major vision problems). I was so uncomfortable to do this at such a young age and ended up not doing it until he was 4 1/2 years old. You seem to have a little different of a situation at hand. I did not feel that it could possibly do harm to my child if I did not do it and it sounds that your sons condition could get worse if you don't. I suggest getting as many opinions as you can and hang in there! little guys are pretty strong and brave! After my son had the MRI he had surgery on his eyes (the surgery was planed before the MRI) I was so scared! It is scary watching him go to sleep after they gave him the sedative but the nurses well prepared me for it so I was able to make it through that tough sight, But everything turned out great! His eyes also healed very fast. It is amazing what doctors can do now a days. Just take the time to make sure that it is the right one. We saw 5 specialists from Chicago to St. Louis not one really said the same thing. The doctor we chose was able to give us more information than all the rest put together. I hope this helps and God bless you and your little one!

My son has different problems and sees an optometrist at Children's he also has an office at Missouri Baptist (though the office was supposed to move to a much smaller location). His name is Dr James Hoekel. He's amazing and I really like him. He has a very VERY quiet disposition and while in the office, he treats both my kids like his own. I'm a stay at home mom with a 3 year old and a 1 year old so when one has a Dr appointment, I have no choice but bring them both.

My son did have the blocked duct and up until he was around 12 months his eyes would crust up a couple of times a day and most mornings his eyes would be crusty. He could still open them, but they were pretty bad. One eye is completely fine and the other waters occasionally. It's no problem, in my opinion. I know a family who waited until their daughter was 2 before they did the surgery. If you want to wait, then by all means, wait. Your child, your choice.

Just a note about different hospitals and procedures and stuff. My son has had TONS of operations and for the most part he wakes up VERY VERY pathetic. It's awful so be prepared to get quite misty. The Dr will always say he shouldn't be in pain but if you think your child is in pain ask for something. The nurses in recovery will almost always give a VERY VERY small dose of morphine. This relaxed the baby until the other drugs wear off and the uncomfortable feelings go away. Sometimes an IV is hard to start in the arm, or foot so as a last option, they do one on the head. Traumatic for mom's to see! Also, find out what hospitals the surgeon is allowed to operate from and then call each one. Different hospitals have different rules for 'last meals' even what they consider solids. We've been to St. John's, Children's and Shriner's. One said NOTHING at all after midnight. One said solids up until 4 hours before. One said only clear liquids up until 4 hours before. (Breast milk is considered 'clear liquid' as it digests quicker so if you're nursing keep doing so until this has resolved)

Good Luck and I'll keep your family in our prayers

I can't give you any advice on how to get thru doing this to your little one, but I can say that I as a baby had this done and the only problem that I have now is that my eyes are very dry. That might be a bit genetic too. So, I can say that as an adult, 28, I have now really side effects from having it done. Good luck with making your decision and if you choose to have the surgery, good luck with that too.

Have you tried Lavender oil? According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference, "1 drop of Lavender Oil rubbed over the bridge of the nose 2 times daily has been reported to work in some cases." Lavender Oil is great for relaxation and has so many other benefits as well as possibly helping with the duct flowing better.

I am an Independent Distributor for Young Living Thereapeudic Grade Essential Oils and can get you a 15ml bottle of Lavender Oil for $27.00.

It is amazing what the oils can do and I would think it is worth a try prior to resorting to surgery.

I am not just trying to sell you something, these oils really do help and I have become a distributor in order to help other people find all natural ways to heal themselves without surgeries or prescription drugs. My husband has been using the oils on his forearms for a few months and they really reduce his pain. His stomach has grown to be very sensitive to the oral pain relievers and the topical oils are really helping reduce the amount of oral he has to take. He has had 5 surgeries between his two arms!

Let me know if I can help. Feel free to call me at ###-###-#### or email me at ____@____.com of luck!
D. Thomas

My daughter had a blocked tear duct ttoo. We had the surgery done when she was almost six months old. She did fine witht e snesthesia and has been a happier kid since!

Hi! My daughter had the same problem. We had the probe surgery done and it was very quick and there were no complications. She came out of the anestesia rather quickly and had no side effects.
She has never had a problem since. Im really glad we did it.

Your baby will be just fine. My best friend had this same surgery done on her first one when she was a few months old. It is a routine surgery. It happens more than you realize. She'll be okay. Please don't worry. She'll be better off after the surgery and you won't have to worry about the goopy eyes anymore. Good Luck and God Bless.

Hi A.,
My daughter is 13 months old. She, too, has had clogged tear ducts since birth. They didn't seem to bother her at all (bothered us more than anything), so we decided to wait and see if they cleared up on their own, like the Dr. said they would. A week after her first birthday, they just stopped! We weren't doing anything different, they just cleared up on their own! How wonderful that we didn't have to put her through surgery!

Our daughter had blocked ducts from birth as well. Her eyes were constantly gooky and/or infected. We finally scheduled the surgery and she got sick the day before it so we had to postpone the surgery. When she got better from her cold, her tear ducts opened on their own so we were able to cancel the surgery. We too were very nervous about the surgery, so we were thankful she got sick and they cleared up on their own.