Home Remedy for Clogged Tear Ducts

According to the Mayo Clinic, a blocked tear duct is caused by an obstruction--either partial or complete--of the tear duct, making the tears not drain as they normally would. People with a blocked tear duct will have a watery and irritated eye because the tears cannot drain down the nose and evaporate as they normally would. While the eye may be sore, it can be more annoying than anything else. Luckily, it is a condition that can easily be treated at home.

Cucumbers

According to MamaHerb.com, a cucumber is an efficient way to heal a clogged tear duct. The cucumber is actually 90 percent water. Therefore, the moisture from the cucumber helps to rid the tear duct of whatever is blocking it. Using a vegetable peeler, peel off the outside of the cucumber. Then hold the cucumber shreds on the infected tear duct for 10 minutes. Repeat this three times each day for a week.

Warm Water

Water is essential in flushing out the tear duct, but it has to be applied in a way that won't damage the eye. This can be done by dipping a washcloth in a cup of warm water. Then apply the cloth to the eye with the clogged tear duct for 10 minutes. With this method, it can take up to two weeks for the eye to completely heal. Since there is no danger from this remedy, it can be done multiple times per day.

Massage

According to the Children's Specialists of San Diego, a simple eye massage can help to unclog a blocked tear duct. Since the part of the tear duct that is clogged is normally near the bottom where the tear duct drains into the nose. Start at the corner of the eye that is closest to the nose and apply light pressure. Slide the finger down toward the corner of the nose and repeat this motion 10 times. Applying slight pressure can loosen up the particle that is blocking the tear duct and allow the tears to flow freely.