Watery Eyes in Babies

What Is Watery Eyes in Babies?

Watery eyes in children can have many causes. If the tearing occurs suddenly and affects only one eye, the possibility of a foreign body should be considered immediately, and the eye should be carefully examined.

If both eyes are itchy, red, and frequently rubbed, an allergic cause should be investigated. A detailed microscopic eye examination is helpful in making the diagnosis.

Causes of Watery Eyes in Babies

When tearing and discharge are present from birth, after ruling out eyelid inversion or inward-growing eyelashes, the most common underlying cause is nasolacrimal duct obstruction. In both cases, an examination by an ophthalmologist trained in oculoplastic surgery is required.

Treatment of Watery Eyes in Babies

If there is a foreign body or a scratch on the surface of the eye, the foreign body should be removed immediately, and appropriate treatment should be given to prevent permanent corneal damage and infection.

If redness and tearing occur after the baby is six months old and an allergic cause is detected through eyelid examination, treatment can be done with suitable eye drops and, if necessary, additional oral medications. Allergy cannot be completely cured; however, in most cases, it remains mild and does not cause significant discomfort. Therefore, treatment may be needed during specific periods when allergic symptoms flare up and cause discomfort.

In some cases, the allergy may be so severe that it affects vision. In such situations, oculoplastic eyelid surgery may be necessary. Similarly, eyelid abnormalities such as ingrown eyelashes, inward-turned eyelids, or poor eyelid closure may also require eyelid surgery.

Treatment of Tear Duct Obstruction in Babies

The most common cause of excessive tearing in babies from birth is congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Tear duct blockage is frequently observed in infants and children, and in the majority of cases, it resolves spontaneously within the first year of life. However, an eye examination should not be delayed, assuming that the condition will improve on its own.

Excessive tearing can also occur in other eye diseases, such as congenital glaucoma. Therefore, before diagnosing a baby with tear duct obstruction, a thorough eye examination is essential.

An ophthalmologist trained in oculoplastic surgery will first evaluate all other eye findings. Once the diagnosis of tear duct obstruction is confirmed, they will teach you the appropriate massage technique and sac cleaning method, and, if necessary, prescribe temporary antibiotic drops and eyelid hygiene techniques to help manage the condition.

If the duct does not open with these conservative treatments, surgical intervention is usually considered between 1 and 1.5 years of age. Based on the severity of tearing and discharge, your doctor will determine the appropriate timing for surgery during follow-up examinations.

Typically, the first intervention—a simple probing procedure lasting 5–10 minutes—is planned before 18 months of age, when the success rate is highest. In most babies, the condition resolves after this minor procedure. For older children or cases where probing is unsuccessful, silicone tube intubation may be required, which also has a high success rate.

Although tearing in children is often caused by mild and treatable conditions, in some cases it may indicate serious eye problems that can permanently threaten vision. Therefore, having a comprehensive oculoplastic examination as early as possible is highly important.