Question
My child’s eyes are always watery, and the water that comes out is sticky when wiped on my hand. There are also pale substances that resemble snot. What’s going on?
Answer
If a child’s eyes frequently water or have excessive eye discharge, parents should massage the child’s lacrimal sac area daily. During the massage, use your thumb to gently press on the lacrimal sac area, performing the massage 2 to 4 times a day. If the massage is not effective, you can take your child to the hospital for lacrimal duct irrigation. If irrigation also fails, it is advisable to perform a lacrimal duct probing procedure as soon as possible to prevent inflammation of the surrounding tissue of the lacrimal sac or the formation of a lacrimal duct stenosis. A lacrimal duct stenosis is difficult to treat and can affect a child’s appearance.