Patient's question:
Since birth, the child has been crying tears from the right eye, with eye discharge.Doctor's answer:
This is neonatal dacryocystitis. In fact, neonatal dacryocystitis occurs due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction, which is caused by congenital narrowing of the nasolacrimal duct or a deviated nasal septum. This obstruction prevents tears from draining properly, leading to accumulation in the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth and reproduction. Once infected, tears turn into pus.In such cases, parents should perform gentle massage on the affected eye's inner canthus (the area between the nose and eye, medically known as the medial canthus) in a downward direction from top to bottom. Avoid sliding or rubbing the fingers on the skin; instead, use the thumb to press firmly against the skin, applying pressure to the lacrimal sac area for a sliding and massaging motion. This massage can be done 2-4 times a day.
At the same time, antibiotic eye drops (such as rifampicin or chloramphenicol eye drops) should be used, applied 3-4 times a day, with 1-2 drops per application. Before administering the drops, clean the eye with a cotton swab to remove any discharge.
If the massage does not improve the condition, the child can be taken to the hospital for repeated lacrimal duct irrigation by an ophthalmologist. If the issue persists, a lacrimal duct probing procedure should be performed as soon as possible, which usually resolves the problem in one session.
You don’t need to worry. Check this website, and you can rest assured.