How Can Tear Duct Repair Improve My Quality of Life?

If you suffer from abnormally watery eyes, you may suffer from blocked tear ducts as this is one of the prominent symptoms. Blocked tear ducts can be caused by trauma, infection, allergies or many other conditions, and frequently causes watery eyes and other unpleasant symptoms. Tear duct repair is a reconstructive surgical procedure that either opens a blocked tear duct, or bypasses it altogether to allow it to drain into the nasal passages.

What does tear duct repair accomplish?

Dacryocystorhinostomy, or tear duct repair, is most often an endoscopic procedure performed by a reconstructive surgeon who makes very small incisions to allow access for a camera and tiny tools to conduct the repair. Usually a silicon tube is placed from the tear duct to the nasal cavity to help hold the passageway open while the body adjusts and heals. This tube is not very visible to others, and is removed after about two months once the body has healed. Patients can expect bruising around the eye area for about a week after the surgery, and sometimes mild nosebleeds for a few hours after the procedure. Tear duct repair can also cause a few weeks of dry eye symptoms before the eyes adjust to their new conditions.

When tear ducts are obstructed, the eye has a hard time staying healthy. The eye depends on tears to keep it moist and fight off infection. Those with the tear duct obstructions should consider reconstructive surgery to remove the obstruction and help restore their eyes to a healthy condition.Tear duct repair relieves the symptoms of blocked tear ducts, like watery eyes and itching, that are often caused by allergy related irritation, and helps the body function normally.

Are you qualified for tear duct repair surgery?

Good candidates for reconstructive surgery of the tear duct include anyone who has suffered from tear duct blockage but is in overall good health. You might have tear duct blockage if your eyes are infected, painfully swollen, excessively watery, or are issuing a mucous discharge. Consult with your reconstructive surgeon to find out if you are a good candidate for the surgery. Those who take aspirin daily are advised to not take aspirin for the two weeks preceding the surgery.

What are the goals of reconstructive surgery?

Those with blockages in their tear ducts will usually suffer either from constant tearing of the eyes due to a blockage to the nasal passage or from infection from the absence of tears. Blockages can arise in a number of ways, but the most common include broken noses, chronic sinus problems, tumors, and intense allergies. The surgery can be performed through a small incision on the nose or endoscopically through the nose. A new passageway is made to allow tears to flow properly through the nose. A small tube is installed either temporarily or permanently to keep tear ducts open and aid in the healing process.

Consult with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is also an ophthalmologist for the delicate needs of your eyes

Talk to your surgeon and discuss all of your treatment options. Every patient is different, so your doctor will know what is best for your tear ducts. If the decision is made to pursue reconstructive surgery, it is wise to use a board-certified cosmetic surgeon to perform the procedure. Dr. Schwarcz is a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon who is also certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is highly qualified in dealing with surgeries involving the eyes in particular. Cosmetic surgeons are better able to accommodate your cosmetic needs as well as your health needs: to keep your nose and face looking just as beautiful as before the procedure and minimize scarring as much as possible.