Newborn With Blocked Tear Duct
Paediatrician Dr Vivek Akkera regularly assesses and treats newborns with blocked tear ducts to prevent recurring infections, discharge, and irritation.
If you have questions, here is a good place to start.
Understanding Blocked Tear Ducts
A blocked tear duct occurs when the drainage channel that carries tears from the eye to the nose has not fully opened, causing tears to overflow and collect around the eye. It is a common condition in newborns and is usually present from birth due to incomplete development of the tear drainage system.
Most cases improve on their own within the first year of life, but some babies may develop recurrent eye discharge, irritation, or infections if the blockage persists. It is important to see a paediatrician if symptoms continue, become severe, or are accompanied by redness, swelling, fever, or signs of infection, as further assessment and treatment may be required.
When to Bring a Newborn with Blocked Tear Duct to a Paediatrician
Seek paediatric assessment if your newborn with blocked tear duct shows any signs of infection, if the discharge is increasing rather than improving, if both eyes are affected, or if you’re simply concerned about what you’re seeing. Warning signs that require immediate paediatric attention include:
- Red or pink eye whites, suggesting conjunctivitis or inflammation
- A hard lump near the inner corner of your baby's eye (this indicates infection in the tear sac)
- Swelling or colour changes around the eyelid (the skin might appear red, purple, or darker depending on your baby's skin tone)
- Yellow or greenish discharge rather than clear tears or white mucus
- Cloudiness over the cornea or any changes to the eye's appearance
- Light sensitivity where your baby seems uncomfortable in normal lighting or keeps their eyes squeezed shut
Meet Our Specialist for Newborn Care
Paediatrician Dr Vivek Akkera provides thorough assessments to identify the underlying cause, monitor your baby’s development, and guide families on appropriate treatment and ongoing care.
- Consultant General Paediatrician with over 16 years of experience caring for infants, children, and adolescents across India, the UK, and Australia
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) with specialist paediatric training in Australia
- Nearly 10 years of experience working within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
- Extensive neonatal experience, including neonatal training in Leicester, United Kingdom
- Skilled in early assessment and intervention to help prevent complications and support healthy infant development
Why Choose Medivik For Your Newborn With Blocked Tear Duct
At Medivik, we combine specialist paediatric expertise with the time and attention your newborn deserves, ensuring you leave each appointment with clarity and confidence about your baby’s care.
Specialist Neonatal Expertise
Dr Akkera has the neonatal expertise to distinguish between tear ducts that will resolve naturally and those requiring intervention. His specialist training means he can spot early warning signs that prevent your baby from developing infections or needing more invasive treatments later.
Genuine Time to Understand Your Baby
Your first consultation lasts 40 minutes, not the rushed 10-minute appointments typical elsewhere. This gives Dr Akkera time to properly examine your baby, demonstrate correct massage techniques, answer all your questions, and create a personalised management plan that fits your family's situation.
Clear Communication Every Step
We explain everything in plain language without medical jargon, so you understand exactly what's happening with your baby's tear duct, what to expect, and what signs mean you should return. You'll never leave Medivik wondering what you should be doing or feeling uncertain about your baby's care.
Is your infant struggling with blocked tear duct?
Your Child's Journey
Your First Visit
Your journey begins here. Book your child’s first appointment through our online portal. A referral isn’t required, but it is if you’d like to claim a Medicare rebate.
Preparing for Your Visit
Please bring your referral letter, Medicare card, and Blue Book. School reports, past records, or short videos of symptoms are also helpful for giving us a clear picture.
Virtual Consultations
Some visits are easier from home. Telehealth lets you connect with your paediatrician clearly and reliably, without the stress of travel or waiting.
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The Day of Your Visit
Your first consultation usually lasts 40 minutes. You’ll find us at the Bond Building in Bella Vista, Dangar Medical Practice in Singleton, or the Riverside Park Office Tower in West Gosford.
What Can We Do For Your Child Today?
Parent Form
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Doctor Referral Form
Contact Information
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Newborn With Blocked Tear Duct
How common is a blocked tear duct in newborns?
Blocked tear ducts are quite common, affecting approximately 1 in 20 newborns in Australia. Many babies are born with a membrane that hasn’t opened at the lower end of the tear duct, which prevents normal tear drainage. In most cases, this resolves naturally as your baby grows, with about 90% of blocked tear ducts clearing by the time a child reaches their first birthday. If your newborn has a blocked tear duct, you’re certainly not alone, and in most situations, the outlook is very positive with appropriate monitoring and care.
Can I treat my newborn with blocked tear duct at home?
Home management plays an important role in treating blocked tear ducts, but it should be done under paediatric guidance. Your paediatrician can teach you a gentle massage technique that helps empty the tear duct of sticky discharge and may encourage the membrane to open. You’ll typically massage from the inner corner of the eye down toward the nose several times daily. Keeping the area clean by gently wiping away discharge with cooled boiled water is also helpful. However, home care alone isn’t enough if there are signs of infection or if the condition isn’t improving. A specialist assessment ensures you’re using the correct technique and that your baby doesn’t need additional treatment like antibiotics.
When does a blocked tear duct require surgery?
Surgery is rarely needed for blocked tear ducts in newborns because most resolve naturally by 12 months of age. If the blockage persists beyond your child’s first birthday, your paediatrician might refer you to an ophthalmologist who specialises in procedures for opening the duct. The most common procedure involves using a fine probe to open the membrane while your child is under general anaesthetic. This is typically a day procedure with high success rates. Some children might need the procedure repeated if the duct closes again, but most respond well to a single treatment. At Medivik, we monitor your baby’s progress closely so we can make timely referrals if needed, rather than waiting until complications develop.
How do I know if my newborn's blocked tear duct is infected?
Signs that a blocked tear duct has become infected include redness in the white of the eye, a hard lump forming near the inner corner of the eye, swelling or colour changes around the eyelid, and discharge that’s yellow or green rather than clear or white. You might also notice your baby seems more uncomfortable, is sensitive to light, or keeps their eyes squeezed shut more than usual. Infected tear ducts need prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading. If you notice any of these signs, contact Medivik for an assessment rather than waiting to see if it improves. Early treatment prevents more serious complications and helps your baby feel comfortable again quickly.
Are blocked tear ducts painful for newborns?
Blocked tear ducts are usually not painful for newborns and, in most cases, do not affect their vision or overall eye health. You may notice persistent tearing, watery eyes, or a sticky yellow discharge because tears are unable to drain properly.
However, a blocked tear duct can occasionally lead to an infection if bacteria become trapped within the tear drainage system. It’s important to seek medical assessment if your baby develops redness, swelling near the inner corner of the eye, increasing discharge, fever, or appears unusually irritable, as these may be signs that treatment is needed.