Expansion and washing of the lacrimal ducts

Tear duct dilation and irrigation is an ophthalmic procedure aimed at restoring normal tear drainage from the eye into the nasal cavity. This procedure is performed when the tear ducts are blocked or narrowed, causing excessive tearing, eye irritation, and infections.

What are tear ducts and why do they become blocked?

The tear ducts are a drainage system that removes tears from the surface of the eye. Tears are produced in the lacrimal glands, lubricate the eye surface, and pass through small openings (tear puncta) located in the inner corners of the eyelids into the lacrimal sac, and from there into the nasal cavity via the nasolacrimal duct.

When the tear ducts become blocked or narrowed, tears cannot drain properly, leading to their accumulation in the eye and overflow onto the eyelid.

Blockage of the tear ducts can occur due to various reasons:

• Congenital anomalies: when the tear ducts are not fully developed (most common in infants)
• Inflammation: conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis (inflammation of the lacrimal sac)
• Injuries: trauma to the face or nose
• Tumors: affecting the tear ducts or surrounding tissues
• Age-related changes: tear ducts may narrow with age

When is tear duct dilation and irrigation needed?

This procedure is typically required in cases of:

• Persistent tearing: continuous overflow of tears
• Eye irritation: redness, itching, burning
• Recurrent eye infections: such as conjunctivitis or dacryocystitis
• Discharge (pus) from the tear puncta: indicating infection of the tear ducts

Procedure in the clinic

Tear duct dilation and irrigation are performed in an ophthalmologist’s office:

• Anesthesia: the eye is numbed with local anesthetic drops
• Dilation: the doctor carefully dilates the tear puncta and ducts using a thin probe
• Irrigation: a sterile saline solution is flushed through the dilated tear ducts to remove blockages
• After the procedure: the patient receives instructions on aftercare and possible side effects

The procedure is quick and generally well tolerated.

Interpretation of results

Tear duct dilation and irrigation help restore normal tear drainage, reduce excessive tearing, relieve irritation, and prevent infections. The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the cause and severity of the blockage.