Apply gentle, firm pressure and stroke downwards.
Emma's doctor taught her how to perform a simple massage technique to help open up the tear duct. Here's how: tear duct obstruction massage
Here’s a deep, evidence-based review of (also known as Crigler massage or nasolacrimal duct massage). Apply gentle, firm pressure and stroke downwards
A blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) is very common in newborns and infants. It occurs when the membrane at the end of the tear duct (inside the nose) fails to open fully before birth. A blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) is
| Treatment | Indication | Cure rate | Invasiveness | |-----------|------------|-----------|---------------| | Massage alone | Mild congenital NLDO | ~70–80% by 6 months | Non-invasive | | Massage + antibiotics | Mucoid discharge | ~85–90% | Non-invasive | | Probing | Failed massage after 12–18 months | ~90% | Minor procedure | | DCR surgery | Adult acquired / failed probing | >95% | Surgical |
While massage is helpful, there are times when medical intervention is necessary. Contact your pediatrician or ophthalmologist if you notice: