The tear duct may become blocked due to underdevelopment in infants, infection, injury or tumor in children and adults. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that a tube called the nasolacrimal duct normally drains tears from the eye surface into the nose. If this tube gets blocked, the tears can build up and flow onto the cheek. Home remedies may resolve the issue in some cases but not in the event of a tumor.
Massage
Massage can help open a closed tear duct, especially in infants and in the case of infection that is causing the blockage. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests massaging the area several times a day. To do this the individual or caregiver must be sure to cleanse the eye area and the hands to avoid passing more germs into the eye. The weakest finger, such as the ring finger, should be used when massaging the duct. The most effective location is the inner area of the eye, just a slight bit in from the bridge of the nose. Natural-HomeRemedies.org suggests pinching the bridge of the nose and running the fingers lightly over the entire bone to help open the duct.
Warm Compress
Placing a warm compress over the affected eye and surrounding area can help soften the skin and open the duct. This can be created with a soft cloth wet with warm to hot water. When used on infants and children the cloth should not be hot to the touch but allowed to cool a bit instead. The compress can be left for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and repeated frequently throughout the day.
Gentle Cleansing
Gently cleansing the tear duct area can remove debris and dried tears and help soften the skin to open the tear duct. A tear-free shampoo or soap should be used to avoid irritating the eye. The soap can be massaged gently in the tear duct area before being rinsed thoroughly. This cleansing can be used in combination with the warm compress and massage.
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