In adults, a blocked tear duct can lead to persistent watery eyes, irritation, and painful infections like dacryocystitis. Experts at the American Academy of Ophthalmology note that while massage is less likely to permanently resolve structural blockages in adults than in babies, it can still provide temporary relief by:
Keeping pressure against the nose, roll or stroke your finger downward about 1–2 cm (half an inch) toward the nostril. This motion pushes the contents of the lacrimal sac down the nasolacrimal duct. tear duct massage for adults
A blockage can occur anywhere along this path, but most commonly at the valve at the bottom of the duct (the valve of Hasner). In adults, blockages are often caused by age-related narrowing, chronic inflammation, nasal polyps, or previous facial trauma. In adults, a blocked tear duct can lead
While often associated with newborns, blocked tear ducts (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) are surprisingly common in adults as well. Symptoms can include persistent watery eyes, recurrent eye infections, sticky discharge, and blurred vision. Before considering surgical options, ophthalmologists often recommend a simple, non-invasive home technique: , formally known as Crigler massage . A blockage can occur anywhere along this path,
If you’ve ever experienced constant tearing (epiphora), crusty eyelids, or recurrent eye infections, you might be dealing with a blocked tear duct. While often associated with newborns, adults can suffer from this condition too.
To understand the massage, it helps to know the anatomy. Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland above the eye. They wash across the eye and drain through two tiny holes (puncta) located at the inner corners of your upper and lower eyelids. From there, tears travel down a small canal into the (a reservoir at the side of the nose), then finally through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity.
Most doctors recommend doing this 2 to 3 times a day .