Canalicular test: checking the patency of the lacrimal ducts
When the eye frequently waters without an obvious cause, it is important to evaluate not only the surface of the eye but also the functioning of the lacrimal system. Fluid can accumulate in the eyelid area, irritating the skin and creating a feeling of constant "wetness."
At our clinic, checking the patency of the lacrimal ducts helps the doctor determine the cause of the complaint during the initial consultation.
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General information
When do we prescribe a canalicular test?
We prescribe an examination after a conversation and examination. The doctor determines the duration of the complaints, injuries, surgeries, and allergies. The ophthalmologist evaluates the eyelids, lacrimal puncta, and ocular surface.
The patient's main complaints
The doctor recommends an examination when tearing is recurring, lasts a long time, or appears without a clear cause. Before the procedure, they explain what exactly they will be evaluating and why the results are needed.
- Wateriness around the eye on one or both sides
- Wet skin of the eyelid or cheek without crying
- A feeling that a tear is lingering in the inner corner of the eye
- Crusting, discharge, or repeated inflammation
- The need to clarify the cause of the complaint before treatment
A diagnosis cannot be made based on the description of the complaint alone. A similar picture can occur with dry eye, eyelid inflammation, ocular surface irritation, and nasal diseases.
What conditions can diagnostics help differentiate?
Diagnosing the lacrimal ducts helps determine whether there is an outflow obstruction or excessive tear production due to irritation. In some patients, the cause is found on the ocular surface, while in others, the doctor sees stenosis or inflammation of the lacrimal sac. If lacrimal duct pathology is suspected, the diagnosis is expanded.
Epiphora is the medical term for persistent tearing. The term describes a symptom, not a definitive diagnosis. The doctor confirms the disorder and looks for the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answering frequently asked questions can help alleviate anxiety. They are not a substitute for an in-person examination. If you have significant complaints, an appointment is necessary.
Is a canalicular test painful?
Is special preparation necessary?
What does the canalicular test result show?
When are additional diagnostic tests needed instead of a test?
Conclusion and invitation to make an appointment
Tear fluid should lubricate the eye and drain normally. If drainage is impaired, discomfort may return. The tear ducts should be assessed in person, as similar complaints have different causes.
When is it best not to delay an examination?
Don't wait if the eye becomes constantly watery, if redness, pain, swelling at the inner corner, pus, or vision deteriorates. If these symptoms occur, an ophthalmologist should evaluate the eye and determine whether testing is appropriate immediately.
If a tear duct patency test is needed, we will conduct an examination and explain the next steps.
References
- Register of Clinical Guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation — https://cr.minzdrav.gov.ru/
- Russian Medical Journal, Ophthalmology Section — https://www.rmj.ru/articles/oftalmologiya/
- EyePress — Ophthalmology Portal — https://eyepress.ru/
- Russian Society Ophthalmologists — https://www.oor.ru/
- CyberLeninka — search by topic "dacryocystitis" — https://cyberleninka.ru/search?q=дакроцитит
- CyberLeninka — search by topic "lacrimal drainage pathways" — https://cyberleninka.ru/search?q=слезоотводящие%20пути
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What is a tubular test and why is it needed?
The canalicular test is a test in which the doctor evaluates the tear pathway from the eye to the nasal cavity. Normally, fluid passes through the lacrimal puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct. If constricted or inflamed, persistent tear duct drainage occurs.
What problem can this test help identify?
This test helps differentiate between two situations:
Therefore, the doctor evaluates not just one symptom, but the entire anterior segment of the eye: the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, and lacrimal puncta. Diagnosis of the lacrimal ducts is necessary when the cause of tearing is not visible during a routine examination.
The lacrimal ducts function sequentially. First, tears enter the ducts, then pass through the lacrimal sac, and then into the nasal cavity. When a patient mentions "tear duct," the doctor specifies the specific area, as the severity of the disorder determines further treatment.
Why it's important not to ignore tearing
When tearing occurs daily, a person constantly wipes their eyes, tolerates contact lenses less well, and tires more quickly when reading and working at a computer. Moisture irritates the skin, especially at the inner corner of the eye.
In some cases, the complaint is caused by dacryocystitis—inflammation of the lacrimal sac. Therefore, if pain, purulent discharge, swelling, or redness are present, it's best to seek an examination immediately.