Congenital Lacrimal Obstruction occurs in approximately 7% of infants. The lacrimal (tear) glands produce tears constantly to keep eyes lubricated. Two small drains or openings (punctum) on upper and lower eyelids, lead through a small tube (canaliculus) to the lacrimal sac near the nose, to a canal (nasolacrimal duct) and empties tears into the nasal cavity.
 
With each blink, fresh tears are pumped across the eyes to keep them moist and healthy, and old tears are pumped into the drainage system. Symptoms of a blocked tear duct are excessive watering, mucous discharge, irritation and painful swelling in the inner corner of the eye.

Initial treatment involves massage and antibiotic drops or ointment. Lacrimal probing may be required using a fine probe to remove blockage in the draining system. In severe or recurrent cases, a soft rubber stent can be placed for several weeks.

Procedures are usually done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Sometimes a repear procedure is required is scar tissue forms that block the drain again. Minor swelling or bruising subsides within two weeks.

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"Children sometimes
have blockages of
the tear drainage
system"