Why does my baby's one eye tear so much, it's random?

That single tear on a baby's face is so cute, just hanging on to the lid until it plummets to it's destination of chubby baby cheek.  It's hard to resist and not wonder if it's normal crying tears or maybe something else is happening.  I get this question often from new parents with their not quite one year olds babies.

Much like with adults some times we just get something in our eyes which causes reflex tearing (different from purposeful sad/happy tears).  The temperature or windy days may also cause this reaction.  However I know this situation is special because it happens randomly, usually in the same eye for months.  When babies are young their bodies are changing so rapidly that certain parts, like the tear duct membrane (the area where we usually find eye boggies) isn't completely open.  That prevents the tear from draining into our lacrimal system down to the throat.  The duct (like a tube) could also be really narrow.  Regardless in almost all cases these issues will resolve themselves with time, as the membrane opens or duct dilates.  Still there are some ways we can help the process by massaging the tear duct.  Not something you should request next time you see your masseuse, it's only for babies.  The parent should place a clean wet (luke warm water) cloth over the tear duct area, massaging it for maybe 10 seconds about three times a day for a week.  Keeping the area clean and promoting dilation.  If the baby does get swelling or redness around that area with yellow discharge make sure to take the baby to a Pediatric Optometrist or Ophthalmologist.  In extreme cases the Ophthalmologist (they are surgeons, we are primary care) might decide to surgically open the duct if the earlier methods haven't work and the baby keeps getting infections.  We can leave that decision to them.  Good to be aware of normal vs. not normal.  Feel feel to send pictures or videos, I'll do my best in pointing you in the right direction.  

See and Be Seen! at Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com