Massage For Blocked Tear Duct Jun 2026

A blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) is a common condition that occurs when the drainage pathway for tears fails to open or becomes obstructed. This leads to watery, irritated eyes and potential infections. While the condition often resolves on its own in infants, massage is a widely recommended first-line treatment to help open the duct and relieve symptoms.

Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland above the eye. They wash over the eye and drain through two small openings (puncta) on the inner corner of the eyelids. From there, tears travel through the nasolacrimal duct into the nose. When this duct is blocked, tears have nowhere to go, causing them to spill over the eyelid (epiphora) and pool in the eye. massage for blocked tear duct