What Is Tear Duct Blockage Surgery? Doctors do tear duct blockage surgery to open a blocked tear duct. This brief outpatient surgery is done by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor). Kids usually go home the same day. Why Is Tear Duct Blockage Surgery Done? Tears need to drain out of the eyes. When a tear duct is blocked, the tears can't drain. Signs of a blocked tear duct include: too much tearing after a child is about 6–8 months old a serious infection of the tear duct infections of the tear duct that go away and come back again What Happens Before Tear Duct Blockage Surgery? The ophthalmologist will do an eye exam to make sure your child has a blocked tear duct and not another eye problem that could cause similar symptoms. The doctor also might do a simple and painless dye test. Putting a special dye in the eye lets the doctor measure the amount of tears it makes and see if they're draining properly. What Happens During Tear Duct Blockage Surgery? Babies sometimes can have a blocked duct opened in the ophthalmologist's office without anesthesia. Older kids need to go to a hospital or surgery center where they will get anesthesia (medicine to help them sleep and not feel pain). An ophthalmologist can do different types of surgical procedures (sometimes in combination) to open a blockage: probing using a thin metal instrument: The ophthalmologist gently passes a thin metal instrument (probe) through the tear duct to open the blockage. Then they flush the duct with sterile water to make sure the pathway is clear. This is the procedure most often used for blocked tear ducts. silicone tube intubation: The ophthalmologist places silicone tubes in the tear ducts to stretch the ducts. The tubes stay in place for 3–6 months, then are removed either in the office or during another short procedure. balloon catheter dilation: The ophthalmologist puts a balloon into the tear duct and inflates it with a sterile solution. This expands the tear duct. How Long Does Tear Duct Blockage Surgery Take? The procedure takes about 10 minutes. Are There Any Risks From Tear Duct Blockage Surgery? Clearing a blocked tear duct is a very common and safe procedure. But all surgeries come with risks, including infection, bleeding, or problems with anesthesia. Sometimes a tear duct can get blocked again. How Can Parents Help After Tear Duct Blockage Surgery? Your child should have very little discomfort after the procedure. The doctor may prescribe eye drops after surgery and will tell you how to care for your child at home. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Babies and kids usually get better in about a week after surgery. When Should I Call the Doctor? Call the eye doctor if your child's eye is: red, swollen, or draining pus tearing for more than a week after surgery If the tears look very bloody or your child has a lot of pain, go the eye doctor or the ER. Back to Articles Related Articles Tear-Duct Blockage Blocked tear ducts are a fairly common problem in infants. The earlier they're discovered, the less likely it is that infection will result or surgery will be necessary. Read More Eyes The eyes are small compared with most of the body's other organs, but their structure is incredibly complex. Learn more about eyes, vision, and common problems with both. Read More Your Child's Vision It's important for kids to have their eyes examined regularly, as many vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated early. Read More Eye Injuries You can treat many minor eye irritations by flushing the eye, but more serious injuries require medical attention. Read More Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is the most common eye infection affecting kids. Learn more about pinkeye and how to prevent it from spreading. Read More Retinopathy of Prematurity Retinopathy of prematurity, which can happen in premature babies, causes abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Some children will need surgery to prevent vision loss or blindness. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.