newborn - ptosis or blocked tear duct?

[rustyjr]

My son was born about 6 1/2 weeks ago and at first wasn't opening his left eye all the way and there was a slight buildup of a mucus like substance on the outside of his eyelid.  Our pediatrician thought it was a blocked tear duct so we got a prescription and put an ointment on his eye a couple times per day and regularly massaged it.  At his one month check up it still hadn’t cleared up and he was opening his eye maybe 2/3 of the way – so our pediatrician thought it would be best to see a pediatric ophthalmologist.  We’ve scheduled an appointment for the pediatric ophthalmologist – but prior to then I have two questions:  (1) has anyone had this type of experience?  (2) any suggestions on questions to ask the pediatric ophthalmologist?

Thanks in advance for the help

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

1. Yes the mucous is consistent with a blocked tear duct. Often conservative treatment is continues to age 6 or more months before doing a dilation and irrigation.
2. The lid is more troublesome. The child may have congenital ptosis. Your ped ophthalmologist will determine and let you know.

JCH MD