When this happens, it is necessary to surgically implant an artificial pyrex glass tube behind the inner corner of the eyelid to drain the tears directly into the nose. Children are frequently born with an obstruction in the tear duct. This usually occurs at the junction of the tear duct which empties into the nose, and usually only involves a small membrane. When this occurs, tearing results. The stagnant tears within the tear duct often become infected, causing pus to collect between the eyelids.
Most obstructions dissolve on their own within the first few months of life.
Usually topical antibiotics and massaging of the tear duct can help clear these obstructions. If these obstructions do not resolve they can be eliminated with a simple probing of the tear duct which involves passing a small, firm wire through the tear duct into the nose. The orbit is the bony socket that surrounds the eye. The orbit contains the eye, muscles that move the eyes, arteries and the nerves with which you see- the optic nerves. All of these structures are involved in and cushioned by an intricate system of supporting membranes and fat.