Question
The baby is now six months old and has had increased discharge in the left eye since about two weeks after birth, along with frequent tears. The doctor has diagnosed it as a blocked tear duct. The initial attempt at irrigation was unsuccessful, and the doctor suggested hospitalizing the baby for a tear duct probing surgery. How long does the surgery usually take, is it performed under local or general anesthesia, will the baby feel pain, and what are the postoperative effects?
Answer
Firstly, you can give the baby a few drops of symptomatic anti-inflammatory eye drops, such as Tobradex eye drops, four to five times a day, for one to two weeks. If the discharge persists, consider a blocked or narrow tear duct. Additionally, you can try massaging the baby’s infraorbital root below the inner corner of the eye daily. Although this may cause some pain, it is important to firmly hold the baby during these procedures.