Alex's Clogged Tear Duct

Alex had an appointment last week with a pediatric ophthalmologist, who examined him to see what needs to be done about his clogged tear duct in his right eye. He has had problems since he was just a few days old, and they just seem to linger. Because the duct is blocked, the tears and normal bacteria in the eye that normally drain through the tear ducts into the nose, aren't able to drain properly. His eye is often teary, and gooey discharge sometimes makes his eyelashes stick together. His eye will get really red and sometimes swollen, and sometimes his cheek is dry or red due to the constant tears. (Click on the following link for a little more about the condition from the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.)

Having a blocked tear duct is very common in babies, but 90% of the cases clear up on their own by during the first year. Well, unfortunately, Alex's tear duct doesn't show signs of getting better on its own.

The ophthalmologist is recommending that he have a procedure done to open the tear duct. They will insert a probe into the duct, and place a tiny tube inside the duct to help hold it open while it heals properly. It will stay in for 6 months. Sounds awful to me. I hate to think of him having to have eye surgery, and to be under anesthesia when he is so small. But the doctors seem to think that the problem will only get harder to correct with time, but if they do the procedure now, there is a very high success rate. It should be able to take care of the problem and prevent him from having to worry about it for years to come.

So, it looks like this is what we'll have to do. I still have to schedule the date, but it will probably be taking place in the near future. Please keep my sweet little boy in your prayers that things will go smoothly.