Infant Eye Care: What Are Blocked Tear Ducts

Being a parent to a newborn baby is both exciting and nerve-wracking. At every cough or jolt, your anxieties can get the best of you because you just want to make sure your baby is healthy, happy, and comfortable. As a fairly common condition that can inflict newborn babies clogged tear ducts can cause their eyes to be shut closed or have a residue around the outer edges. If you think your baby has clogged tear ducts, read on to learn more about the causes and treatments.

Causes
The main cause of a clogged tear duct in a newborn baby is simply because their tear ducts didn’t form correctly while in the womb. However, clogged tear ducts can also be caused by infection, so it’s important that you take your baby in to see the pediatrician if the condition persists.

Treatment
When it comes to caring for a newborn baby, the more natural the approach you use, the better. Because newborn baby’s bodies are so fragile, the last thing you want to do is introduce medication to them that will upset their immune system. Luckily, by using the methods listed below, you can help get rid of your child’s blocked tear ducts without the use of medication.

• Warm Compress: By applying a warm, wet compress to your child’s eye you can help both remove the gunk that has built up and speed up the production of new tears. To use this method, take a clean, warm, wet washcloth and place it over the inner corner of your baby’s eye for about 10 seconds, then gently wipe away the gunk that has formed.
• Breast Milk: This treatment solution may sound a bit like hocus pocus to some people, but the power of breast milk is undeniable. Filled with antibodies, vitamins, and minerals breastmilk can work wonders on your young infant's body. Try placing a drop or two of breast milk directly into the inner portion of your baby’s eyes while they are closed— once they open their eyes, the milk will fall into the eyes and work to clear up any infection. Use this treatment a few times a day for a week or two or until their tear ducts have cleared up.

If your newborn’s tear ducts are clogged, it can make you stressed out and worried. However, by using the tips listed above, you can help them to see better and feel more comfortable. To learn more about these and other pediatric eye treatments, contact Millennium Park Eye Center.