Opening of tear duct lavage

Tear duct opening: a comprehensive review

What is tear duct opening?

Opening tear ducts is a medical procedure that aims to open a blockage in the tear ducts, which causes excessive tearing. The tear ducts are a system of tiny tubes that carry tears from the eye to the nose. When the tear ducts are blocked, the tears cannot drain properly and cause eye irritation, redness, excessive tearing and even infections.

Causes of blocked tear ducts:

There are several possible causes of blocked tear ducts, including:

Infection: Infections in the eye or in the tear ducts can cause inflammation and swelling, which can block the tear ducts.
Injuries: Injuries to the eye, such as bruises or burns, can damage the tear ducts and cause a blockage.
Eye diseases: Certain eye diseases, such as eczema and rosacea, can cause tear duct inflammation and blockage.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can cause dry eyes and thick tears, which can lead to a blockage in the tear ducts.
Age: With age, the tear ducts can naturally narrow, which can lead to blockage.

Symptoms of blocked tear ducts:

Common symptoms of blocked tear ducts include:

Excessive lacrimation: tears flow from the eye frequently, even without stimulation.
Eye irritation: burning sensation, itching or dryness in the eyes.
Erythema: redness in the eyelids and skin around the eyes.
Swelling: Swelling of the eyelids, especially in the morning.
Membrane in the eyes: accumulation of yellow or green membrane in the corners of the eyes.
Blurred vision: In severe cases, you may experience blurred vision due to the accumulation of tears on the surface of the eye.

Diagnosis of tear duct obstruction:

Diagnosing tear duct obstruction is usually done by an ophthalmologist. The doctor will examine your eyes and perform several tests, such as:

Eye exam: An eye exam to check for blurred vision due to the tears.
Slit lamp test: This test is done using a special lamp that allows the doctor to see the tear ducts in detail.
Tear duct irrigation: This procedure is done by injecting a special liquid into the tear ducts. If the fluid does not flow easily through the tear ducts, there may be a blockage.

Treatment of blocked tear ducts:

The treatment for blocked tear ducts depends on the cause of the blockage. Treatment options include:

Treatment of infection: If the blockage is caused by an infection, the eye doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or eye ointments.
Massaging the tear ducts: gently massaging the eyelids several times a day can help open minor blockages in the tear ducts.
Using artificial tears: Using artificial tears can help relieve dry eyes and improve tear flow.
Tear duct opening procedure: In more severe cases, it may be necessary to perform a tear duct opening procedure. This procedure is usually done in the hospital under local anesthesia.