Lacrimal Duct Irrigation (Nasolacrimal Duct Irrigation) in Moscow
Lacrimal duct irrigaton is performed after an in-person examination when there are complaints of constant eye moisture, irritation, a feeling of congestion, mucous or purulent discharge.
At the K31 clinic, the procedure is performed by an ophthalmologist in an outpatient setting. We work with adults and children, explaining each step, discussing possible sensations in advance, and providing a clear post-visit plan.
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When do we recommend tear duct irrigation?
We do irrigation only after diagnosis. A complaint of watery eyes alone does not necessarily mean the patient needs a procedure, as lacrimation occurs not only with obstruction but also with dry eye syndrome, eyelid inflammation, allergies, corneal irritation, or eyelid malposition.
Main symptoms: lacrimation, discomfort, discharge
You should schedule a consultation if you are concerned about:
- Constant lacrimation
- Discharge from the eye
- Feeling of stagnant tears
- Suspected obstruction
- Recurring inflammation
- Pain or swelling at the inner corner of the eye
Home washes, folk remedies, and unprescribed antibiotics in this situation can worsen the course of the disease.
Indications In adults
In adults, indications for the procedure are more often related to persistent tearing, recurrent inflammation, and complaints following infections, injuries, or surgeries in the nose and eyelids.
Rinsing the nasolacrimal duct may be the first step if the doctor sees signs of obstruction and wants to clarify the level of obstruction. If fluid passes freely, we look for another cause of the complaint.
Indications in children
In children, complaints often present differently: parents notice a watery eye, crusting after sleep, mucus in the corner, intermittent redness, or purulent discharge.
If dacryocystitis is suspected, the approach depends on the child's age, tissue condition, and duration of symptoms. Sometimes observation and doctor's orders are sufficient.
General information
How is nasolacrimal duct irrigation performed?
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis after a consultation. We explain in advance what will happen, what sensations are possible, and why the procedure is necessary in this particular situation.
Preparation for the procedure and examination by an ophthalmologist
Preparation for the procedure begins with a conversation and examination. The doctor asks how long the complaints have been present, whether there is pain, discharge, previous inflammation, injuries, surgeries, nasal diseases, or allergic reactions. A diagnosis is then made.
If the doctor sees signs of acute purulent drainage, severe swelling, or other risks, the treatment plan may change.
Irrigation stages
During the procedure, the doctor carefully cleans the eye area, administering local anesthesia if necessary and inserting a special cannula through the lacrimal punctum. The sterile solution is then gently passed into the nasolacrimal duct.
If fluid flows freely into the nose, this indicates a preserved drainage pathway. If it returns through the punctum or appears along with pathological fluid, the doctor will determine the level of obstruction and explain the further plan. Irrigation of the lacrimal ducts is performed only if indicated.
Is it painful and how long does the procedure take?
Tear duct irrigation is usually well-tolerated. Brief discomfort, a feeling of pressure, or an unusual sensation in the nasal area are possible, but severe pain should not be felt.
The duration of the appointment depends on the examination, the complexity of the case, and the need for additional tests.
Frequently asked questions
When is lacrimal duct irrigation necessary?
Is lacrimal duct irrigation painful?
How long does the procedure take?
How does irrigation differ from probing the lacrimal ducts?
Can I irrigate the lacrimal duct at home?
References
- https://cr.minzdrav.gov.ru/ — Clinical Guidelines of the Russian Ministry of Health
- https://www.rmj.ru/articles/oftalmologiya/ — Russian Medical Journal, Ophthalmology Section
- https://www.mediasphera.ru/journal/oftalmologiya — Ophthalmology Journal
- https://eyepress.ru/ — Professional ophthalmology portal
- https://cyberleninka.ru/ — Russian-language scientific articles on ophthalmology
- https://www.elibrary.ru/ — Database of Russian-language scientific publications
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What is tear duct irrigation and why is it necessary?
Tears should flow freely across the surface of the eye and drain through natural channels into the nasal cavity. When this pathway is obstructed, lacrimation occurs, the eye appears watery, mucus may accumulate in the corners, and inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, and discharge.
Lacquer duct irrigation helps the doctor determine whether the fluid is flowing naturally, whether there is an obstruction, and where the problem may lie.
How the lacrimal drainage system works
The lacrimal drainage system begins at the puncta on the eyelids, then passes into the canaliculi, where the fluid enters the lacrimal sac, and then drains through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity. Normally, this drainage system operates unnoticed, so tears do not remain in the eye or constantly run down the cheek.
If a narrowing, inflammation, or obstruction occurs in any area, an obstruction occurs. A patient may think their eye is simply watering, but this symptom can sometimes be due to a blockage of the lacrimal ducts.
When does obstruction and stagnation of tears occur?
The pathology can be congenital, age-related, inflammatory, post-traumatic, or related to the structure of the nose and eyelids. In children, the problem often manifests itself in the first months of life, while in adults, it can occur after inflammation, injury, surgery, or chronic nasal diseases.
When tears stagnate, the risk of inflammation increases. If the process affects the lacrimal sac, the doctor may suspect dacryocystitis.