Breastmilk for Blocked Tear Ducts: Not Recommended
Breastmilk is not recommended for treating blocked tear ducts (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) as there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, and proper medical management should be pursued instead.
Understanding Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a common condition in infants, occurring in approximately 5-6% of newborns 1. It presents with:
- Tearing (epiphora)
- Increased tear lake
- Mucous discharge
- Possible infection (dacryocystitis)
Natural History and Management
Spontaneous Resolution
The majority of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions resolve without surgical intervention:
- 15% resolve by 3 months of age
- 45% resolve by 6 months
- 71% resolve by 9 months
- 93% resolve by 12 months 2
More recent data shows that in infants 6-10 months of age, 66% of cases resolve within 6 months with nonsurgical management 3.
Recommended Management Approach
First-line: Conservative Management (0-12 months)
- Nasolacrimal duct massage
- Topical antibiotics as needed for infection
- Observation for spontaneous resolution
Second-line: Surgical Intervention
- Probing of the nasolacrimal duct (typically after 12 months if not resolved)
- Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for persistent cases 4
Why Breastmilk is Not Recommended
Despite being a natural substance with some beneficial properties, breastmilk is not indicated for treating blocked tear ducts for several reasons:
No Evidence Base: None of the ophthalmology guidelines or research evidence supports using breastmilk for nasolacrimal duct obstruction 5, 4.
Potential Risks:
- Introducing unpasteurized substances into the eye could potentially introduce bacteria
- May delay appropriate medical treatment
Established Alternatives: Evidence-based treatments exist with proven efficacy (massage, antibiotics when needed, surgical intervention when appropriate)
Appropriate Eye Treatments
For eye conditions requiring treatment, the American Academy of Pediatrics and ophthalmology guidelines recommend:
- Appropriate ophthalmic preparations prescribed by healthcare providers 5
- Consultation with an ophthalmologist for persistent symptoms
- Proper evaluation of the nasolacrimal system before any intervention 4
Important Considerations
- Breastmilk has many documented benefits for infant nutrition and immunity when used as intended (for feeding), but not as an ophthalmic treatment 5
- Parents should be advised against using unproven remedies that may delay appropriate care
- If symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction persist beyond 12 months, referral to an ophthalmologist is recommended
When to Seek Medical Care
Parents should consult a healthcare provider if their child shows:
- Persistent tearing beyond 12 months
- Signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge)
- Worsening symptoms despite conservative management
The evidence clearly supports a structured approach to nasolacrimal duct obstruction that does not include breastmilk as a treatment option.