The time to consider intervention is controversial. One of the symptoms of tear duct obstruction is excessive tearing. The tears run down the face because they cannot go down the tear duct. Mucous, normally secreted by the eye, also does not go down the duct like it should, so it dries about the eye giving it a crusty appearance, or it collects in the eyelashes, often matting the eyelid shut. Occasionally, bacteria build up in the clogged duct causing an infection requiring antibiotic drops.
Treatment begins with the use of antibiotic eye drops.
Do this two to six times per day. I usually recommend doing this with each diaper change. In theory, this downward pressure on the duct will increase the pressure on the blockage and force it open. When treated in this manner, about 90 percent of those with obstruction will correct within the first year of life. Those that fail this treatment are then referred to an ophthalmologist, who then tries to open the duct.