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By Mayo Clinic staffThere's no way to prevent a congenital blocked tear duct. To reduce your risk of developing a blocked tear duct, be sure you get prompt treatment of eye inflammation or infections. And to avoid eye infections in the first place:
- Avoid having contact with children and adults who have pink eye (conjunctivitis).
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
- Try not to rub your eyes.
- Replace your eyeliner and mascara regularly, and never share these cosmetics with others.
- If you wear contact lenses, keep your contact lenses clean according to recommendations provided by the manufacturer and your eye care specialist.
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