sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Blocked tear duct: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for:

    • New loss of vision or a major change in vision
    • Severe eye pain or pain when moving the eye
    • An eye that appears pushed forward
    • Rapidly spreading swelling around the eye
    • Severe headache, vomiting, confusion, or marked illness with eye swelling
    • Breathing difficulty in a newborn with swelling near the tear duct or inside the nose
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical care for painful swelling near the inner corner of the eye, spreading redness, pus, or fever.

    A young infant with fever or a newborn with a bluish swelling beside the nose should also be assessed promptly.

    These symptoms are not expected with a routine uncomplicated blockage and may indicate infection spreading around the eye or another urgent condition.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate when tearing or discharge continues, keeps returning, affects vision or daily activities, or has not improved as expected.

    Babies with ongoing symptoms should be reviewed by their pediatrician or eye specialist so that the need and timing of a procedure can be discussed.

    Attend planned visits so the clinician can check healing and remove a temporary tube if one was used.

    Contact the team earlier if symptoms worsen rather than improve.

The article also says

After probing, tube placement, or DCR, follow the surgical team’s instructions for eye or nasal care.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Blocked tear duct. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.