: Place the tip of your index finger (or pinky for an infant) on the side of the nose, just below the inner corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet.
A blocked tear duct prevents tears from draining normally, leading to watery, sticky, or crusty eyes. Massage can help open the duct. Below are instructions for (most common) and adults .
The massage increases hydrostatic pressure in the tear sac, helping to rupture the thin membrane that often blocks the duct’s exit in newborns. In adults, it helps move debris or thick mucus through the nasolacrimal duct. how to massage a blocked tear duct
Stop massage and call a healthcare provider if you notice:
While common in newborns—affecting about 20% of babies—it can also occur in adults due to injury, infection, or age-related narrowing. In many cases, a specialized massage known as can help open the duct and restore normal drainage. 1. Preparation: Hygiene and Comfort : Place the tip of your index finger
Before beginning, ensure you are in a calm environment.
You may see a clear fluid or yellowish discharge come out of the eye as you press. This is actually a good sign—it means the blockage is clearing and the backed-up fluid is draining. You can gently wipe this away with a clean cotton ball or washcloth dampened with warm water. Below are instructions for (most common) and adults
: Maintaining the pressure, slide your finger downward along the side of the nose for about 1–2 cm.