Blockage of one or both tear ducts is very common in infants during the first few months of life.  This condition results in excessive tearing and/or chronic or recurrent eye discharge.  Blocked tear ducts frequently clear up spontaneously in the first several months of life.  Treatment during this time may include observation, eye drops and/or massage over the tear ducts.

Surgery may be indicated for children with blocked tear duct symptoms that do not clear up by around 8 to 12 months of age.  Surgery also may sometimes be indicated for younger babies with very severe tear duct infections.