For many infants, the blockage disappears on its own during the first two years of life. Treatment may nonetheless be necessary. The first treatment method used in children is probing, which may be carried out on children from 3 months of age. Most specialists prefer to wait several months, however, given the high rate of spontaneous resolution before 2 years of age. The operation starts with dilation of the punctum (the opening at the inner corner of the eye). The surgeon then inserts a very thin probe into the lachrymal drainage system. And finally a sterile fluid is injected in order to flush out the blockage.

In some cases, if this treatment is not effective, the surgeon may use a silicon wick (which is left in place for several weeks) in order to keep the duct open. In the rare cases where the initial treatment is unsuccessful, an operation to create a new duct is suggested once the child is older.