TEAR DUCT SURGERY

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An obstruction in the adult tear ducts may be caused by aging,  trauma, inflammation from conditions like arthritis, certain  medications, and tumors. When the smaller tear ducts that maintain  moisture on the eye become blocked, the main tear duct begins to  overproduce tears and the eyes become watery, especially during  activities like using computer screens and reading. To correct the tear  duct obstruction, adults may need dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) to clear  the blockage or create a new passageway for the tears. At Oculoplastic  Associates of Texas, our board-certified ophthalmology surgeons can  diagnose and treat tear duct obstruction in adults at our Dallas and  Plano offices.  

DCR surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and often takes less  than 45 minutes under general anesthesia or sedation. In DCR surgery, a  new tear passage is created, effectively bypassing the area of blockage  in the tear duct. It may be performed either externally through a  cosmetic skin wound, or through the nose (endoscopic). A tiny stent may  be placed in the new tear drain and kept there for several months after  the procedure to ensure the duct will remain open. 

After the surgery, patients should expect to have swelling and  bruising around their eyes for 7 – 10 days. Our surgeons advise patients  to plan for 1 – 2 weeks of recovery and rest before resuming their  normal activities. Patients should schedule a follow up appointment for 5  – 7 days after the procedure, when the doctor will remove the stitches  and evaluate their healing. Once fully healed, the eyes will look  younger and re-energized.  

Patients may complain of excessive tearing or discharge from the inner  corner of the eye. Other symptoms may include swelling, pain, blurred  vision, eye irritation, and signs of infections. If caught early, a tear  duct obstruction may be cleared without surgery by using antibiotics  and warm compresses. 

 It is not uncommon to for adults to complain of tearing problems.  Tear duct obstruction may arise at any age within a person’s life and  may be due to underlying infection, inflammation, or narrowing of the  tear duct. 

DCR has a very high success rate and is considered a safe, low-risk  procedure. However, all surgical procedures do carry some risk of  complications. Those associated with a DCR are typically bleeding,  infection, and problems stemming from use of anesthesia. These are quite  rare and risk factors are minimized by choosing a skilled, experienced  surgeon and following all pre- and post-surgical instructions.