Tears are a fluid that hydrates and protects the eye from disease and external infection. They are produced by the lacrimal glands and then drained from the nasal conjunctiva through the lacrimal ducts.
However, the tear ducts can be affected by infections or diseases that can have serious consequences and require the urgent intervention of a specialist.
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Blocked tear duct surgery for Adults & Babies
Permanent watery eyes, called epiphora, is an excessive flow of tears that usually occurs due to blocked tear ducts.
It is a real problem that can affect all ages (adults & children) and therefore requires surgery to restore the function of the eye.
Tear duct surgery, also known as 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 infants and newborns as well as adults.
There are several surgeries that depend on the severity and location of the blockage:
- Dacryostenosis
- Dacryocystectomy
- Surgery to recreate the tear duct
- Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
The course of tearing surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
Before specifying the type of surgery to be performed, the eye surgeon must first make a diagnosis. He or she will perform a complete examination to identify and target the problem and implement the appropriate treatment.
To do this, the ophthalmologist inserts a probe into the tear duct and injects a 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. Therefore, the ophthalmologist will need to determine the location of the obstruction.
Based on the results of the tests and the diagnosis, your doctor, in Istanbul Turkey, will be able to determine the most effective treatment. It can be a medical treatment with artificial drops or an anti-allergic.
If medical treatment is ineffective, watery eye surgery is performed only as a last resort.
Side effects
Serious complications and side effects occur very rarely (less than 2% of procedures). However, some less serious and more common effects may occur, such as infections, which are treated with antibiotics. A bruise or hematoma may form and cause nasal congestion, but this 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 and most commonly used surgery 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 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 possible treatments
Several techniques and treatments are used to unblock the tear ducts, depending on the problem. These treatments include:
- Widening the opening of the canal with water: If 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 canaliculi if they are blocked. The canaliculi are the tubes that lead the tears to the lacrimal 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
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 and persists after surgery. There are three main reasons for the recurrence of epiphora:
- Healing of the hole created by the DCR
- Healing of the canaliculi
- Poor drainage and pumping of the eyes
Advice after the operation
After dacryocystorhinostomy, you should follow your doctor's advice and instructions to ensure optimal results:
- Do not blow your nose in the days following the operation to avoid bleeding.
- Apply cold compresses to the wound to reduce swelling.
- Prescribing medication (antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.).
- Bandage on the wound.
Tear Duct operation in Turkey: Costs & Reviews
The cost of tear duct surgery in Turkey depends on the clinics and the additional care provided. However, our internationally renowned eye clinics in Turkey offer you the best prices and the highest quality of 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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