Eligibility For Lacrimal Drainage System Disorder Treatment

Lacrimal drainage system disorders can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility:

• Age and Condition: Children under 45 months often experience congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), while in adults, the condition is typically acquired.
• Symptoms: You should exhibit symptoms such as excessive tearing (epiphora), increased tear film, or mucopurulent discharge without any other eye surface problems or upper respiratory infections.
• Previous Treatments: It’s important that you haven’t undergone previous nasolacrimal duct surgeries or interventions, like probing or intubation.
• Health Status: Conditions like Down syndrome or other systemic diseases may influence the effectiveness of the treatment. Make sure to discuss these with your doctor.

Initial Examinations

Before proceeding with tear drainage correction treatment, doctors will conduct several examinations:

• Dye Disappearance Test: A special dye is placed on your eye to observe how quickly it disappears. This helps in assessing tear drainage.
• Irrigation and Probing: Saline solution is flushed through the tear drainage system to check for and possibly clear blockages.
• Lacrimal Scintigraphy: This test identifies the level of functional obstruction in your lacrimal drainage system.

How is Lacrimal Drainage System Disorder Treatment Performed?

Once you have been diagnosed with lacrimal drainage system disorder, there are several treatment options available. Here’s what the procedures typically involve:

• Probing: Ideal for infants, this involves inserting a thin probe into the tear duct to clear blockages. This is usually done under anaesthesia.
• Intubation: A small silicone tube is placed in the tear duct to keep it open. The tube stays in for a few months and is then removed.
• Balloon Catheter Dilation: This method uses a tiny balloon catheter inserted into the duct. The balloon inflates to open the blockage and is then deflated and removed.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): In this surgery, a new path for tears is created by connecting the lacrimal sac directly to the nasal cavity. It can be done externally or with an endoscope.

How To Prepare For Lacrimal Drainage System Disorder Treatment?

Preparing well for your tear drainage correction treatment can make a big difference in its success:

• Medical History: Share any previous surgeries, allergies, or medical conditions with your doctor.
• Medications: Provide a detailed list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking.
• Fasting: If your procedure requires general anaesthesia, fasting will be necessary beforehand.
• Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure.
• Post-Operative Care Planning: Familiarise yourself with the recovery process and plan for post-operative care.

Post-Procedure Care After Lacrimal Drainage System Disorder Treatment

Following your treatment, proper care is essential for successful recovery. Here’s what you can expect and some tips to help:

• Rest: Take it easy and avoid strenuous activities for a few days post-surgery.
• Pain Management: Follow instructions for any prescribed pain relief medicines.
• Wound Care: Keep any incisions clean and dry if you’ve had an external DCR.
• Nasal Decongestants: These may be given to help reduce nasal congestion post-surgery.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend these as scheduled for monitoring your healing progress.
• Avoid Blowing Your Nose: Especially important if there’s nasal packing or after an endoscopic DCR.
• Eye Drops: Use any prescribed drops as directed to prevent infections and aid healing.