What you need to know about:

Lacrimal (Tear) Duct Probing Surgery

Fast Fact

98%

Worth It Rating

Average Cost:

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Recovery Period:

7-10 days

Permanence:

Permanent

177

Doctors

Time it takes:

45 minutes - 1 hour

Hospitals & Clinics

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Anesthetize:

General Anesthesia

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Overview of

Lacrimal (Tear) Duct Probing Surgery

in Thailand

Lacrimal (tear) duct probing surgery is done in newborns when massaging the clogged tear ducts does not work.

Goals of

Lacrimal (Tear) Duct Probing Surgery

In an infant, a blocked tear duct may occur when the membrane that covers the end of the duct does not open like it should at four to six weeks. This causes the duct to become blocked by the tissue of the membrane, causing constant tears, mildly swollen and red eyelids, eyelids that stick together, and/or green-yellow discharge. Tear duct probing surgery helps open up the blocked tear duct.

Price of

Lacrimal (Tear) Duct Probing Surgery

Average Cost

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Price Range

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Pros and cons of

Lacrimal (Tear) Duct Probing Surgery

Pros

-Definitive way to clear tear duck obstructions.

-The procedure only requires a very short amount of time.

Cons

N/A

How it works:

Lacrimal (Tear) Duct Probing Surgery

The doctor will use a metal probe to perforate the membrane. The patient will not be conscious during the procedure. The procedure usually takes between 15-20 minutes. For infants, this technique is done under general anesthesia. The doctor enlarges the punctal openings with a special dilation instrument and inserts a thin probe through the puncta and into the tear drainage system. For adults with partially narrowed puncta, your doctor may dilate the puncta with a small probe and then flush (irrigate) the tear duct. This is a simple outpatient procedure that often provides at least temporary relief.

Preparation before

Lacrimal (Tear) Duct Probing Surgery

Pre - treatment

Understand the treatment, including risks and benefits. Prepare physically for the procedure by avoiding infection and meeting an internal medicine doctor and anesthesiologist before the procedure. Carefully follow all pre-operative instructions, including avoiding food and water and stopping medication that can affect bleeding. Sign all consent forms as required.

Recovery after

Lacrimal (Tear) Duct Probing Surgery

Post - treatment

Use eyedrops as prescribed by the doctor.

Risks & side effects

Mild pain that can be managed with prescribed medication. Adverse effects include worsening redness, severe eye discharge, and/or constant pain. If these occur, please see the doctor immediately. Recurrence.

FAQs:

Lacrimal (Tear) Duct Probing Surgery

What are the travel restrictions?

There are no limitations for travel before or after the procedure.

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What is the likelihood of success?

Between 70-90% of patients (Perveen S, et al. 2014) will recover completely. If the procedure is not successful it may need to be repeated or a different procedure may be required, such as endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

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What if the procedure is not performed?

In infants there will be excessive tearing and wet eyes even though they are not crying. In some the condition can become chronic and the eyes will appear irritated all the time due to the discharge leaked. If not treated, the condition can worsen and lead to infection that can spread to the eyes themselves. Surgery is usually performed by the age of one. Waiting any longer can affect the success of the procedure.

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