How long does it take to recover from tear duct surgery?
Most patients, if they want to get up and go, take 48 hours off work, and the majority will take off 7 to 10 days. I do not know anyone who takes any longer than that.
Is tear duct surgery painful?
Tear Duct Probing This is a pain-free procedure and, most of the time, undoes the blockage. For a few hours after tear duct probing, some children have blood-colored fluid drain from the eye. Using antibiotic eye drops or ointment a few times a day for about a week can help prevent an infection.
Is tear duct surgery successful?
External DCR – Is the most common operation for blocked tear ducts and has a success rate of over 90%. A small incision is made on the side of the nose to gain access to the tear sac. A small amount of bone between the tear sac and the nose is removed.
When do you need tear duct surgery?
You may need this surgery if your tear duct has become blocked. The procedure can be performed externally through an incision in the skin, or endoscopically through the nose without leaving a skin incision.
What should be avoided after DCR surgery?
After a DCR procedure we generally advise patients not to fly for 2 − 3 weeks, to avoid hot drinks for 36 hours, and not to blow their nose for 2 weeks. Patients should not undertake strenuous exercise for at least ten days, and should try to sleep with their head elevated on an extra pillow if possible.
Is DCR surgery painful?
Is DCR surgery painful? The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, hence there is no pain during the surgery.
How long does a DCR surgery take?
The operation takes about 30 minutes and is usually performed under a general anaesthetic where you are asleep, or under local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation to make you sleepy so you do not feel any discomfort. You will usually have the surgery as a day patient and go home the same day.
Can you go blind from a blocked tear duct?
Significant discomfort, impaired vision, and an increased risk of infection can all result from a blocked tear duct. Adults experiencing the symptoms of a blocked tear duct should consider seeing a doctor if: watery eyes are interfering with everyday activities.
How do you unblock a tear duct in an adult?
For a narrowed punctum, your doctor can use a small probe to widen it. They’ll then flush or irrigate the tear duct with a saline solution. This is an outpatient procedure. If an injury caused the blockage, your best approach may be to wait several weeks to see if it heals on its own without any treatment.
Is DCR major surgery?
Endoscopic DCR can be either major or minor surgery depending on the patient’s medical condition and the area to be treated.