Blocked Tear Ducts Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
The lacrimal gland is a specialized structure located under the outer one-third of the upper eyelid. The lacrimal gland produces tears without which the eye would become unhealthy. The eye must remain moist in order to stay healthy. With each blink, tears are spread by the eyelids over the surface of the eye and into the upper and lower eyelid ducts. The ducts then drain tears into the nose – which is most noticeable when a person cries – because the nose runs. If the tear duct becomes blocked tears can back up and spill over the eyelids as if you were crying. Tears that become trapped in the tear sac can become stagnant and infected. Surgery is not always required as in some cases warm compresses and antibiotic treatment may work. But often surgery is required, in which cases Dr. Cole performs a DCR Dacryocystorhinostomy) to correct blocked tear ducts and restore normal function and a natural appearance.
BENEFITS OF TEAR DUCT SURGERY:
- Tear Duct Surgery (Dacryocystorhinostomy) is a safe, effective surgery to correct blocked tear ducts & restore normal eye/tear duct function
- Tear Duct Surgery (DCR) has been used since the early 1900’s
- Tear Duct Surgery is an out-patient procedure with brief downtime
- Tear Duct Surgery corrects excessive watering, mucous discharge, eye irritation (chronic red eye), painful swelling in the inner eyelids corners & persistent blurred vision
- Tear Duct Surgery creates a canal for eye drainage to the inside of the nose
- Tear Duct Surgery is performed by Dr. Cole who is an Oculoplastic Surgeon
- Dr. Cole has performed thousands of eye surgeries & he performs them regularly
TEAR DUCT SURGERY (DCR) PROCEDURE:
If the smaller parts of the tear ducts and sac have not been damaged Dr. Cole can perform a DCR using your own tear drainage system and anatomy to create a new drain allowing tears to flow from the eyes into the nose normally. An incision is made either from the skin’s surface or from inside the nose, and Dr. Cole works through this to create a new tear drain opening from the blocked sac. If a CDCR procedure is required instead of a DCR a Jones Tube is placed through an opening inside the lower eyelid into the nose, secured in place with a suture and is intended to be permanent. This tube is made from Pyrex Glass and it allows tears to drain out of the eye and into the nose correctly. A CDCR is a Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How Does The Tear Drain/Duct Normally Work?
When you blink your eyelids push tears evenly across your eye to keep them moist and healthy. Blinking also pumps old tears into the puncta and lacrimal sac where they travel through the tear duct and drain into your nose.
What Are The Symptoms Of Blocked/Infected Tear Ducts?
Most common symptoms of blocked tear ducts/drains include excessive watering (tearing), mucous discharge, eye irritation, painful swelling in the inner corner of your eyelids and blurred vision.
What Are The Treatments For Blocked Tear Ducts/Drains?
In some cases warm compresses and antibiotic treatment is enough. Many cases require surgery to unblock or create normal tear drains to restore normal function.
What Is The Most Common Surgical Procedure For Blocked Tear Ducts/Drains?
DCR – Dacryocystorhinostomy is the surgery used to correct blocked tear drains, using your own tear drainage system and anatomy if it is not damaged, or creating a new system if necessary using a Jones Tube and procedure called CDCR – conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.
What’s Involved In Recovery After DCR or CDCR Surgery?
Some swelling, bruising and moderate discomfort is normal and to be expected. Theses issues resolve in just a few days but are easily managed with oral pain medication and other measures we instruct you in.
What Are The Risks And Complications With DCR And/Or CDCR Surgery?
There are risks associated with any surgical procedure and anesthesia but Dr. Cole is a
Quadruple board certified Oculoplastic and reconstructive plastic surgeon who has specialized in all surgeries of the eyes. This means he has many more years of training and experience in eye surgeries than other physicians/surgeons. He is, in fact, in a special league of only 400 surgeons worldwide who are specialized and board certified in these eye procedures.
Will Insurance Cover DCR Or CDCR Tear Duct Surgery?
YES. Insurance normally pays for medically necessary procedures and surgeries. Be sure to check with them and discuss this with Dr. Cole.
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BOARD CERTIFICATION
Dr. Cole is a quadruple board certified surgeon which means he has met the rigorous high standards and training requirements of four medical boards. This involved several years more of specialized training and experience in all four areas – in addition to medical school, internships, residencies, fellowship training and vast experience. Board certification does not guarantee a certain outcome, but it does ensure specialized training skill and expertise far beyond the norm.
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