Tears are a liquid that is used to hydrate and protect the eye permanently if it is attacked or affected by any disease. They are produced by the tear glands and then drained from the nasal conjunctival fundus through the tear ducts. These tear ducts can be affected by infections or diseases that can have serious consequences.
Among these consequences and repercussions is the permanent lacrimation called epiphora. This excessive tear flow usually occurs because of blocked tear ducts. This problem affects adults and babies alike and may require tear duct surgery to allow the eye to regain its function.
Tear Duct Surgery in Adults and Babies
Tear duct surgery, also called lacrimal duct surgery, is a procedure that aims to unclog the tear duct and treat its obstruction. A blocked tear duct is a problem that affects babies and newborns as much as adults. There are several surgeries that depend on the severity and location of the filling:
- Dacryostenosis.
- Dacryocystectomy.
- Surgery to recreate the tear duct.
- Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).
Tearing surgery in Istanbul
Before deciding what type of surgery to perform in Istanbul, the eye surgeon must first make a diagnosis. The doctor performs a complete examination to identify and target the problem and set up the appropriate treatment.
He does this by inserting a probe into the tear duct through which he injects physiological fluid from the corner of the eye. If the fluid does not come out through the nose, this is a sign that the canal is blocked and the ophthalmologist will therefore need to find out where the obstruction is.
Based on the results of the tests and the diagnosis, the doctor will be able to determine the most effective treatment. It can be a medical treatment with artificial drops or an anti-allergic. If this care is not effective, a surgical procedure called lacrimation surgery is used as a last resort.
Side effects of lacrimation surgery
Serious complications and side effects under general anesthesia occur only in very rare cases (less than 2% of procedures). However, some less serious and more common effects like infections can occur, but are stopped by giving antibiotics. A hematoma can form and cause a stuffy nose, but will subside after a few days.
Postoperative care
To avoid the appearance of bubbles under the skin, the patient is not advised to blow his nose or sneeze for several days after the operation. Treatments are prescribed to the patient such as antibiotic eye drops or painkillers if necessary. If the patient feels severe pain or if he is bleeding, he will have to go to the emergency room while awaiting the check-up with his ophthalmologist, which takes place 8 days after the operation.
Dacryocystorhinostomy: Surgery of blocked tear ducts
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the most effective surgery but also the most used to treat blocked tear ducts. The surgeon uses it when the canal is completely blocked and the treatments administered cannot unblock it.
If the tear duct, the tube that leads tears from the nose, is blocked, this surgery aims to create a hole between the inside of the nose and the tear sac. As a result, the tears can be drained and flow normally thanks to the DCR.
Other treatments for blocked tear ducts
Depending on the problems facing the tear ducts, several techniques and treatments are used to unclog them. Among these treatments:
- Widening the opening of the canal with water: When the nasal tear duct is partially blocked, the doctor will try to widen it by passing water through it.
- DCR accompanied by reconstruction of the cannaliculli when they are blocked. The cannaliculli are the tubes that lead the tears into the tear sac.
- Eyelid Tightening: When the eyelids suffer from weakness or are not positioned properly, they can be treated with repositioning and surgical tightening. This eyelid surgery shows great efficiency.
Complications and side effects of tear duct surgery
Tear duct surgery is a safe procedure that provides results that patients are generally satisfied with. However, in some cases (10-20%),the problem of excessive tearing returns after the operation and remains present. There are three major reasons for the reappearance of epiphora:
- Healing of the hole created by the DCR.
- Healing of cannaliculli.
- Poor drainage and pumping from the eyes.
Advice after the operation
After the dacryocystorhinostomy, your doctor will give you advice and instructions for optimal results. Among these medical tips:
- Do not blow your nose in the days following the operation to avoid bleeding.
- Apply cold compresses to the wound to reduce swelling.
- Prescription of medication (antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.).
- Bandage on the wound.
Tear Duct Surgery in Turkey: Price and Reviews
The price of tear duct surgery in Turkey depends on the clinics and the additional care provided. However, our internationally renowned eye clinics in Turkey and Istanbul offer you the cheapest prices in addition to providing you with optimal quality care.
We provide you with our patient reviews for more information. To take advantage of a free consultation and a personalized quote, simply click on the link below.
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