Skip to main content
  • Should surgery be done for a clogged tear duct on a nine-month-old?


    Question:

    What is your recommendation on surgery for a clogged tear duct on a nine month old? Massage has not worked.


    Answer:

    Ophthalmologists vary on when to probe a blocked tear duct. Many begin to offer at about nine months while others may defer to one year or even 15 months of age without apparent difficulty. The younger children may be probed in the office or an operating room, while older children invariably are probed in the operating room.