There are several different reasons leading to watery eyes in children e.g blocked tear duct , infections ,allergies etc
Most common cause of prolonged and recurrent watery eyes in new borns and infants is CNLD or congenital nasolacrimal duct blockage that occurs in 5% of the new borns.
CAUSE:
Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO), which is a delay in the maturation of lacrimal system or tear drainage system that results in pooling of tears in the eye.
This often leads to the sticky discharge as well due to stasis of tears and secondary bacterial infection.
SYMPTOMS:
May include ,
Watery eyes
Discharge or sticky eyes
Small bump between nose and eye ( due to infection in lacrimal sac)
MANAGEMENT:
In 90% of these kids the the watering resolves by the age of 12 months and duct opens by itself.
Unnecessary topical antibiotics should be avoided and only given when there is discharge from the eyes (after consultation with the ophthalmologist).
SAC MESSAGE:
Parents can do massage of the lacrimal sac below the medial/nasal side of the eye with the little finger (the fingernail should be nice and short).This increases the pressure in the lacrimal system, not only that it helps to express fluid and mucous from the sac into fornix but also it can help to reduce the incidence of discharge and importantly, the pressure in the lacrimal passages can accelerate the opening of the obstruction in nasolacrimal duct.
SURGICAL TREATMENT:
If symptoms persist till the age of one year CNLDO can be treated in about 95% of cases by passing a small probe along the lacrimal passageways under general anaesthesia.
If this treatment also fails ( can happen rarely ) then we have certain options,
Redo probing.
Stents.
Ballon catheter dilation.
Dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR) . Open and Endoscopic.