Blocked Tear — Ducts Massage

: Press firmly but gently. If the skin turns red, you can use a tiny amount of baby oil or Vaseline for lubrication.

Yes, adults get blocked ducts too, usually due to aging, infection, or facial trauma. Never press hard on an adult’s tear duct without an MRI or CT scan first, because tumors can mimic blockages. If your doctor clears you, the massage is similar, but gentler. blocked tear ducts massage

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or a pediatric ophthalmologist before beginning any treatment regimen for your child. : Press firmly but gently

While the diagnosis often leads to a prescription for "watchful waiting," there is a proactive, non-invasive technique that pediatricians often recommend to speed up the process. It is known as Crigler massage, or simply blocked tear duct massage. Never press hard on an adult’s tear duct

For parents, dealing with a blocked tear duct can feel like a cycle of endless wiping and worrying. It is important to remember that this is a developmental delay, not a disease.

While massage is successful in opening the duct for many infants (often by the age of 6 to 12 months), it is not a cure-all. There are times when a parent should stop massaging and return to the doctor: