Rinse the tear ducts. How to clean tear ducts at home

If a person is blocked tear ducts , then the normal outflow of tear fluid is disrupted, the eyes constantly water, and an infection develops.

About 20% of newborn babies have this condition, but the tear ducts usually clear by the end of the first year of life.

In adults, a blocked tear duct can occur as a result of infection, inflammation, injury, or tumor. This disease is almost always curable, but treatment depends on the age of the patient and the specific cause of the disease.

Causes of the disease

Our tear fluid is secreted from the tear glands located above each eye. Tears flow down the surface of the eye, moisturizing and protecting it. The tear fluid then seeps into the thin openings in the corners of the eyelids. The “waste” tear fluid enters the nasal cavity through special channels, where it is reabsorbed or excreted.
Blockage of the lacrimal canal at any point in this complex system leads to disruption of the outflow of tear fluid. When this happens, the patient's eyes become watery and the risk of infection and inflammation increases.

Causes of tear duct obstruction include:

Congenital obstruction. In some children, the drainage system may be underdeveloped. Often the tear duct becomes blocked with a thin mucus plug. This defect may disappear on its own in the first months of life, but may require special procedure- bougienage (probing).

Abnormal development of the skull and face. The presence of abnormalities such as those found in Down syndrome increases the risk of tear duct obstruction.

Age-related changes. Older people may experience age-related changes associated with narrowing of the openings of the tear ducts.

Infections and inflammation of the eyes. Chronic inflammation eyes, nose and tear ducts leads to obstruction.

Facial injuries. When a facial injury occurs, the bones near the tear ducts can be damaged, which disrupts normal drainage.

Tumors of the nose, lacrimal sac, bones, when significantly enlarged, sometimes block the lacrimal canals.

Cysts and stones. Sometimes cysts and stones form within this complex drainage system, causing drainage problems.

External medications. IN in rare cases usage eye drops(for example, for the treatment of glaucoma) may cause obstruction of the tear ducts.

Internal medicines. Obstruction is one of the possible side effects the drug docetaxel (Taxoret), used to treat breast or lung cancer.

Risk factors

Among known factors risk of tear duct obstruction:

Age and gender. Older women are more likely to suffer from this disease as a result of age-related changes.

Chronic inflammation of the eyes. If your eyes are constantly irritated and inflamed (conjunctivitis), there is an increased risk.

Surgeries are a thing of the past. Surgeries on the eye, eyelid, or nasal sinuses can cause scarring in the drainage system of the eye.

Glaucoma. Glaucoma medications sometimes cause tear duct obstruction.

Cancer treatment in the past. If a person has had facial exposure or taken certain antitumor drugs, the risk increases.

Symptoms of tear duct obstruction

Obstruction of the tear duct can be observed either on one eye or on both sides.

Signs of this disease may be due to direct blockage of the canals or an infection that develops as a result of the blockage:

Excess tear fluid (wet eyes).
. Frequent inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis).
. Inflammation of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis).
. Painful swelling in the inner corner of the eye.
. Mucous or purulent discharge from the eye.
. Blood in tear fluid.
. Blurred vision.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnostic tests to determine tear duct obstruction include:

Fluorescent dye test. The test is done to check how well the eye's drainage system is working. A drop of a special solution with a dye is dropped into the patient’s eyes. If after a few minutes with normal blinking large number dye remains on the eye, then there is a problem in the outflow system.

Probing the lacrimal canal. The doctor may use a special thin instrument to probe the canal to check its patency. During the procedure, the canal expands, and if the problem existed before the procedure, it may simply be resolved.

Dacryocystography or dacryoscintigraphy. This test is designed to provide an image of the ocular outflow system. Before the examination, it is instilled into the eye contrast agent, after which an x-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is performed. The dye highlights the tear ducts in the pictures.

Treatment of tear duct obstruction

Treatment depends on the specific cause of the blockage or narrowing of the canals. Sometimes multiple treatments are needed to correct the problem.

If an infection is suspected, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics.

If the tumor has caused the obstruction, treatment will focus on controlling the tumor. To do this, the tumor is usually removed surgically.

Conservative treatment

U a large percentage In infants, congenital tear duct obstruction resolves on its own in the first months of the child's life. If this does not happen, the doctor will first recommend giving the child a special massage, and will prescribe drops containing antibiotics to fight the infection.

Minimally invasive treatment

Minimum invasive methods used to treat congenital blockage of the tear duct in young children if other methods have not helped. The most common method is bougienage, in which a special tube is inserted into the lacrimal canal, restoring its patency. The procedure does not require anesthesia and takes only a few minutes. After bougienage, the doctor will prescribe eye drops with antibiotics to prevent infection.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is usually prescribed for adults and older children with acquired tear duct obstruction. They are also prescribed for congenital obstruction if all other methods have been ineffective.

Surgeries are necessary to reconstruct damaged or underdeveloped tear ducts. One of the operations, dacryocystorhinostomy, involves creating a new passage between the nasal cavity and the lacrimal sac. Such operations are quite complex and are performed under general anesthesia.

After surgery, patients will need to take medications for some time. The doctor may prescribe a nasal spray to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane, as well as eye drops to prevent infection and reduce post-operative inflammation.

Complications of the disease

Because tears cannot flow where they should, the fluid stagnates, becoming fertile soil for fungi, bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms can cause persistent eye infections.

In infants, the main sign of obstruction of the tear ducts is suppuration (“sourness”) of one or both eyes. The doctor immediately prescribes antibiotic drops, the condition improves, but after stopping treatment, the infection reappears.

Prevention of disease

The exact causes of obstruction may vary, so there is no single method of prevention. To reduce the risk of infection, you should follow the rules of personal hygiene, do not rub your eyes with your hands, avoid contact with people with conjunctivitis, never share cosmetics with strangers, and handle contact lenses correctly.

Konstantin Mokanov

Obstruction of the lacrimal duct is the name of an ophthalmological disease inflammatory in nature, which is a blockage of the lacrimal canal and blood vessels in adults or children. With this pathology, there is a blockage of the lacrimal sac of the eye, which many confuse with CAS (blockage of the main channel central artery retina) - a disease that in most cases has inflammation chronic nature. In this case, CSA is accompanied by sharp, sudden blindness of the affected eye.

Most often, obstruction of the lacrimal canal or blood vessels appears in women aged 35-60 years; in men, this disease occurs 5-6 times less often. Blockage of the tear duct in women is associated with anatomical features structure of the organs of vision.

With this disease, only one eye is affected; when the canal is blocked, the fluid cannot fully come out. If a plug is formed, the process of secretion outflow is disrupted, and active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms begins. As a result of this process, purulent secretion begins to be produced.

Every person should have a clear idea of how to cure dacryocystitis and what it is, since with this pathological process the likelihood of developing complications of a purulent-septic nature increases significantly subcutaneous tissue eyelids, as well as other areas of the visual organs.

Chronic dacryocystitis in adults is most often not independent disease, but secondary, that is, it develops against the background of another, underlying pathology. In order to understand what dacryocystitis is, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the forms in which the ophthalmological disease can manifest itself.

At the first symptoms of the disease, you should consult a doctor so that the disease does not become chronic.

Congenital dacryocystitis of the eye can be of several types:

The stenosing type of disease develops against the background of tuberculosis, syphilis, trachoma and some other vascular diseases.
Qatar lacrimal ducts. This is the name of chronic catarrhal simplex dacryocystitis.
Phlegmon of the lacrimal sac. With this form of pathology, purulent discharge from the eye canals is observed, so you should definitely seek medical attention. medical assistance.
Empyema - obstruction of the lacrimal canal and blood vessels is accompanied by increased secretion purulent contents.

Chronic canal obstruction is accompanied by increased lacrimation, swelling of the lacrimal sac, and discharge of pus. If the disease occurs in acute stage, there is a danger of acquiring chronic dacryocystitis. The latter is most often accompanied by phlegmon of the lacrimal sac, increased production of purulent secretion from the canal.

There is also a type of disease known as dacryocystocele - congenital disease, which, unlike conjunctivitis, is cystoid edema in the area of the tear ducts or nasal canal.

Causes of the disease

The causes of dacryocystitis in most cases are based on obstruction of the nasal canals, blockage of one or both lacrimal canals.

Chronic dacryocystitis in most cases develops against the background of another, underlying pathology.

Blocked tear ducts can occur for the following reasons:

Congenital stenosis of the fetal lacrimal duct, an abnormality of the vessels or lacrimal ducts.
Injury maxillofacial area.
Syphilis, rhinitis, other pathologies that carry serious danger nasolacrimal duct.
Pathological process could develop against the background of tuberculosis of the lacrimal sac.
Purulent inflammation eyelids, which causes the development of dacryocystitis.

In some cases, obstruction is provoked various pathologies, received at the moment intrauterine development fetus

Symptoms of dacryocystitis

The main symptoms of dacryocystitis most often appear in the later stages of the disease, at initial stage It is quite difficult to determine the presence of pathology.

Most often, the patient turns to an ophthalmologist late, when the obstruction of the lacrimal duct progresses to more later stages. In this case, the main signs of dacryocystitis appear more clearly and pronounced.

Obstruction of the lacrimal duct may be accompanied by such a distinguishing symptom as swelling that appears under the lacrimal sacs. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the presence of pain in the area of the tear ducts.

Swelling of the lacrimal sac indicates the development of dacryocystitis.

You can take a simple test: you need to lightly press the swelling under the eye; the appearance of purulent fluid indicates the development of pathology. A doctor will help you make sure that your tear duct is inflamed by palpating the area under your eyes and noting the thickening of the skin and an increase in its elasticity.

The symptoms of the disease are quite varied, and only an ophthalmologist can answer with confidence what it is, dacryocystitis or another disease.

Many patients confuse different ophthalmological diseases, wondering whether conjunctivitis or dacryocystitis is affecting their organs of vision. How to distinguish inflammation of the lacrimal sac from conjunctivitis? It must be remembered that with dacryocystitis, there is redness of the eyelids, their swelling, pain, and the appearance of purulent discharge when pressing on the canal area.

Diagnosis of dacryocystitis

Dacryocystitis of the eye requires careful diagnosis. IN mandatory A collarhead test is performed, which makes it possible to determine where the source of inflammation is located and at what level the patency of the lacrimal canal is maintained, as well as to differentiate dacryocystitis from conjunctivitis.

In case of dacryocystitis, the following tests are required to identify the form of the disease and select the optimal treatment:

Biomicroscopy of the eyes.
Probing.
X-ray of the organs of vision.
Sowing of the secreted secretion.
Nasolacrimal duct test.

Diagnosis is the key to a speedy recovery.

Comprehensive diagnostics will help you choose the most effective treatment.

Treatment options for tear duct obstruction

Treatment of dacryocystitis in adults is most often carried out using two methods - medicinal and surgical. Drug treatment consists of instilling special antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drops into the eyes.

Dacryocystitis in adults can be treated at home, based on the recommendations given by your doctor. Main goal treatment - normalization of the lacrimal canal. In addition to eye drops, lotions with Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Tetracycline will help cure obstruction of the lacrimal canal, which allows you to defeat dacryocystitis faster.

Doctors say that for those patients who for 2-3 weeks purulent fluid continues to come out, surgery is needed.

For a disease such as dacryocystitis, treatment is carried out by forming a completely new lacrimal canal, bougienage, probing or rinsing with certain medications.

At the active stage of the disease, vaccinations are prohibited. It is especially important to pay attention to the timing of vaccinations in children. younger age and newborns. Any vaccine is an intervention in the body that can cause the most unexpected reaction. In case of inflammatory processes, in particular, with obstruction of the lacrimal canal, vaccination should be abandoned for a while.

From funds traditional medicine effective aids can be dill, chamomile, tea, mint compress, which must be combined with drug treatment.

We must not forget about massage, which helps to quickly defeat the disease. It is better to find out how to do it correctly from an ophthalmologist. However, we will still describe the principle of its implementation. 10 times you need to use your index fingers, pressing firmly or vibrating movements, to go down the line from the beginning of the eyebrows to the wings of the nose. You need to move your fingers in the opposite direction 11 times. If pus comes out during the massage, then you did everything correctly, and purulent discharge should be removed with cotton pads soaked in a decoction of herbs or furatsilin. If you left clear liquid, it should also be removed. It is necessary to perform the massage until the eye has completely healed, that is, until full recovery.

Jul 13, 2017 Anastasia Tabalina

The importance of tears for the organs of vision is difficult to overestimate. Scientists jokingly claim that it was crying that helped humanity survive under conditions of natural selection. It has long been known that tears improve visual acuity. The lacrimal mechanism ensures constant renewal of the film on the cornea. Lubricating eyeball, tears protect it from drying out, inflammation and saturate nutrients and oxygen. They have antibacterial properties and help get rid of foreign bodies in the eye.

In order to perform all the functions inherent in nature, the lacrimal mechanism works like a clock and requires special attention and support. A number of reasons can cause blockage of the tear ducts, intended for the outflow of tear fluid. As a result of the disruption of the outflow, involuntary tearfulness of the eyes appears, which creates favorable conditions for the development of various kinds infections of the visual organs.

WITH similar pathology Every fifth baby is born, but adult patients can also suffer from it. Obstruction or narrowing of the tear ducts can cause serious illnesses organs of vision. To eliminate them, rinsing manipulation is practiced. nasolacrimal ducts which will be discussed in this article.

A little anatomy

Nature has endowed man with a unique lacrimal apparatus, which consists of the lacrimal gland and lacrimal ducts. The lacrimal gland is almond-shaped and located just behind the eye under the frontal bones of the skull. A dozen tear ducts are laid from it to the eye and eyelid. When you blink, tears are released from the lacrimal gland, which washes the eye. Sterile tears keep the eye clean, moisturize it, and the enzymes they contain destroy bacteria, preventing the spread of infection.

Lacrimal puncta in the inner corner of the eye (lower and upper eyelid) are connected to the lacrimal sac, from which tears enter the nose through the nasolacrimal duct. Uninterrupted outflow eye fluid carried out due to negative pressure in the lacrimal sac.

In case of obstruction of the canals, the fluid formed in the eye stagnates in the lacrimal sac and can lead to its swelling and inflammation. In such cases, rinsing is required.

Symptoms of blocked tear ducts

The simplest example coordinated work nasolacrimal duct is a manifestation of a runny nose in case of crying or allergic reaction on the organs of vision.

In turn, malfunctions in its operation or infection of the tear ducts can be judged by the manifestation of the following symptoms:

Watery eyes, excessive tearing.
Persistent inflammation and infections.
Pain in the corners of the eyes and their swelling.
Discharge or accumulation of mucus.
Blurry vision.
Blood in tears.

Indications for manipulation

Blockage of the tear ducts can be congenital or caused by a number of factors, including age.

The most common indications for rinsing the nasolacrimal duct are listed below:

Obstruction of the canals in infants, caused by an anomaly in the structure of the nasal bone or underdevelopment of the drainage system of the eye. Characterized by the appearance of a mucous film, which can lead to inflammation with purulent discharge. In this case, the film is removed, followed by washing with disinfectants and anti-inflammatory substances.
Blockage of the canals in newborns with a gelatinous plug that does not dissolve in the first two weeks after the birth of the child. In such cases, it is recommended to massage the lacrimal ducts after each feeding and only if there are no positive results.
Narrowing of the entrance to the tear ducts in adults caused by trauma inflammatory diseases in the nasal cavity, a tumor of the intraocular or surrounding tissue.
Obstruction of the lacrimal canal in elderly people caused by atherosclerosis, colds and swelling of adjacent tissues, injuries and other severe pathologies.

In addition to diagnosing pathologies of the lacrimal canals, manipulations to wash them are also carried out in medicinal purposes, for example, when identifying inflammation (canaliculitis). In this case, the procedure is preceded by cleansing the tubules of mucopurulent secretions.

During the manipulation of washing the nasolacrimal canals with diagnosed dacryocanaliculitis - inflammation of the lacrimal canals and dacryocystitis - inflammation of the lacrimal sac, medications are introduced into the cavity of the lacrimal canal or sac.

In addition, rinsing is used in the case of a diagnosis such as stenosis of the lacrimal canaliculi, as well as for mild degrees of stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct and corneal ulcer (to sanitation of the primary source of infection).

Contraindications

Only an ophthalmologist can assess the function of drainage of the lacrimal canal and then select treatment methods.

However, the procedure for washing the nasolacrimal canal is not recommended in two cases:

When the lacrimal sac is stretched and filled with mucus, such a procedure can give impetus to the spread of pus throughout the organs of vision.
With purulent acute inflammation- dropsy of the lacrimal sac - washing can cause it to overstretch and lead to rupture of the structure of the sac.

Carrying out the procedure

In cases of nasolacrimal duct blockage, ophthalmologists recommend trying a less invasive treatment option first. The washing procedure can be carried out for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In the first case, this procedure allows ophthalmologists to verify the patency of the lacrimal ducts, for which liquid is injected into them under moderate pressure. If there is a need for treatment, antibiotics, antiseptics or substances that improve patency are injected into the lacrimal canaliculi, depending on the indications.

Elimination of obstruction of the tear ducts is carried out under local anesthesia. In cases where there is no need to probe the lacrimal ducts, punctures are not performed. An anesthetic is instilled into the conjunctival cavity, after which a special cannula with a syringe is inserted into one of the tear discharge points. If the liquid gradually introduced into the cavity freely leaves the nasal sinuses, the lacrimal canals are not blocked, and the flow of liquid back from the eyes indicates the presence of pathology. In such cases, the nasolacrimal ducts are washed with a solution of furatsilin or an isotonic solution of sodium chloride.

The procedure is absolutely safe, does not injure tissue and is recommended for patients regardless of age, including newborns after they reach two months. Ophthalmologists do not recommend delaying the diagnosis of lacrimal duct pathology in adults, because such manipulation becomes more complicated with age.

The procedure and features of the procedure for newborns and adults are given below.

Irrigation of tear ducts in infants

At the birth of a baby, the nasolacrimal ducts in children are blocked by a gelatin film, which, under the influence of tears, should dissolve in the first two weeks of the child’s life. However, in 6% of newborns this does not happen due to the increased strength of the film or the abnormal structure of the canals and bones of the skull, which complicates the outflow of tears.

In such cases, no earlier than after the child reaches two months, ophthalmologists practice a series of manipulations related to the removal of the film with further probing and washing of the nasolacrimal canal. Having previously numbed the procedure site, a special conical instrument called a Sichel probe is inserted. This manipulation is necessary for the initial expansion of the canal, into which the Bowman probe is then inserted. With this tool, which has pointed ends, the gelatin film is pierced.

At the next stage, the lacrimal canals are washed with a disinfectant solution. In order to avoid infection of the lacrimal drainage system, the procedure ends with disinfection of the lacrimal ducts with antibiotic eye drops. The washing process is absolutely painless and lasts no more than a quarter of an hour. Over the next few days, the child should instill eye drops carefully selected by the doctor, taking into account the patient’s age, according to the scheme and dosage prescribed by the ophthalmologist.

To prevent relapse of the disease and prevent the formation of adhesions, ophthalmologists recommend massaging the child’s lacrimal tubules for two weeks after removing the film. To do this using index finger should be pressed lightly inner corner eyes for one to two minutes.

Often, on the eighth or ninth day of life, a child develops dacryocystitis - purulent inflammation eyes, accompanied by redness of the inner corner of the eyes, lacrimation and discharge of pus from the lacrimal opening when pressing on the lacrimal sac. This disease develops due to stagnation of tears caused by the remains of embryonic tissue in the nasolacrimal duct, which obstructs the outflow of tears from the lacrimal sac.

For dacryocystitis in newborns, ophthalmologists practice a special massage, which is aimed at improving the patency of the lacrimal ducts, and only if it is ineffective, they prescribe treatment in the form of probing and washing the clogged lacrimal ducts.

At the first stage of treatment, the mother of the newborn is recommended to massage the baby's lacrimal sac (6-10 movements up and down with force) after each feeding. When the massage is performed correctly, the amount of pus coming out increases.

After the massage, it is necessary to rinse the eyeball with a solution of furatsilin (1 tablet dissolves in a glass of boiling water). Purulent particles should be removed by wiping the palpebral fissure with cotton swabs soaked in the solution, moving from the temple to the nose. The procedure ends with instillation of an antibiotic solution - 1 drop of 0.25% chloramphenicol at least 5 times a day.

The effectiveness of the procedure directly depends on the age of the child; the younger he is, the more effective this massage is. Similar treatment It is recommended to carry out this procedure for two weeks and only if it is ineffective, proceed to the second stage, namely the previously described probing and rinsing.

Well therapeutic rinses with dacryocystitis in newborns, in some cases it can last for a week or two, with procedures carried out every one or two days.

Rinsing tear ducts in adults

Pathology of the lacrimal canals in adults occurs at any age and is determined diagnostically. Unlike infants, massage alone, as well as probing, cannot solve the problem of canal patency in adults. Having established the passive patency of the tear ducts, the ophthalmologist, if pathology is detected, prescribes forced rinsing with disinfectants.

To achieve better results, ophthalmologists practice a combination of lavage and probing of the lacrimal ducts. Similar procedure It is considered the most effective for obstruction of the tear ducts, since it simultaneously increases the lumen of the canal and helps relieve inflammation.

Moreover, it is less traumatic compared to hard probing.

The rinsing solution is injected into the area of the lacrimal opening near the nose using a syringe with blunt needle or a cannula through a conical probe that widens the entrance to the canal. The cannula is inserted as deeply as possible without touching the walls. Pulling back the patient's eyelid, the doctor slowly presses the syringe plunger, observing during the procedure the dynamics and ease of passage of the solution.

For pain relief, drops are instilled into the eye before the procedure. In the event that it is not possible to solve the problem with rinsing and pus continues to be released from the canals, ophthalmologists connect drug treatment antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, or surgery.

Analysis of results

Ophthalmologists interpret the results when washing the nasolacrimal canals according to the following scheme.

In the absence of pathology of the canals, the liquid easily flows through the nose. When introducing the solution, no particular effort is required; the liquid is injected with light pressure on the piston. Stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct or fusion of the canal orifices is indicated by the leakage of fluid from the opposite lacrimal punctum.

With stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct, fluid may begin to flow from the opposite lacrimal opening not immediately, but after a matter of seconds or after increasing pressure on the piston. At the same time, there are traces of blood in it. For stenosis internal department channel, the liquid flows out from the same place where it was injected.

When the nasolacrimal duct becomes clogged, fluid flows out of the nose when the pressure on the syringe plunger increases.

Complications during the procedure

In the case when all contraindications are taken into account and the procedure technique is followed, no special complications are noted.

The only one negative consequence The results of a diagnostic test may be distorted if the cannula with liquid is inserted incorrectly, in particular, if the cannula touches the walls of the canal.

Obstruction of the nasolacrimal ducts in children in the first months of life occurs due to blockage of the lumen of the canal with a plug, which usually resolves during the first weeks. Sometimes a mucus plug may appear due to the underdevelopment of the drainage system of the eye. These phenomena entail inflammatory processes with purulent discharge. To prevent their spread, it is necessary to remove the plug and rinse the canal with a disinfectant, anti-inflammatory composition.

Washing the lacrimal ducts in children and adults

Lacrimal ducts in children are washed immediately after probing. The combination of these procedures gives good result in infants in the vast majority of cases. These manipulations are associated with painful sensations at little patient, But experienced doctor copes with this small operation without difficulty. And the excellent result makes the child’s parents quickly forget about previous problems. Usually, inflammation of the lacrimal sac - dacryocystitis - does not return.
Adult patients also undergo rinsing of the nasolacrimal ducts. It occurs through the forced introduction of a disinfectant solution into the canal in the area of the lacrimal punctum near the nose. The procedure has diagnostic and medicinal value. It determines the passive patency of the lacrimal canal. Such washing can also relieve inflammation and expand the lumen of the canal. It is not as dangerous for tissue injury as hard mechanical probing. Moreover, disruption of the outflow of tears is often associated with age-related changes in old age. To introduce the solution, a conical probe is used to widen the entrance to the canal. The solution is injected using a syringe with a blunt needle or cannula.

Before starting the process, superficial anesthesia of the eye is performed using drops. If patency is normal, then the solution flows from the nostril into the tray. If it is broken, the liquid flows back. In this case, the doctor prescribes to the patient X-ray examination and examination by an otolaryngologist. Based on these data, a decision on treatment is made.

When tear ducts are blocked, the normal, natural flow of tear fluid is disrupted. Because of this, the eyes water all the time, increasing the risk of developing an infection. Obstruction of the lacrimal duct is diagnosed in approximately 20% of newborn babies.

However, most often, during the first few months of a child’s life, the tear ducts are cleared and their normal patency is restored. The main thing is to carefully monitor hygiene and carry out regular massage of the lacrimal canal. This will help prevent inflammation. Well, if you still need the help of a doctor, the treatment will be quick and painless.

In adults, blockage of the tear duct may also be diagnosed. This condition is most often caused by an infection. Blockage may occur due to inflammatory process, injury, or tumor. Treatment always depends on the age of the patient, as well as the specific cause of the blockage.

About how treatment is carried out for children and adults, how they clean the tear duct, probing, massage, rinsing, how is it carried out? We'll talk about this with you today:

Massage of the tear duct in children

As we have already said, most newborns with congenital obstruction lacrimal canal, the canal clears itself in the first months of life. If cleansing does not occur, the doctor will prescribe a special massage:

Gently squeeze the fluid out of your baby's tear sac. Make sure that purulent contents do not get into your nose or ears. Then drip a warm solution of furatsilin into your eyes (1 tablet per half liter boiled water). Soak a cotton swab or pad with the solution, rinse, and remove the purulent discharge.

Now gently apply several vibrating or jerky pressures with your finger on the area of the lacrimal sac. Carry out such movements from top to bottom, as well as from the inner corner of the upper part of the eye to the lower part. The purpose of this massage is to break through the gelatinous embryonic film of the tear duct.

At the end of the massage, disinfect your eyes by dropping 0.25% chloramphenicol eye drops. You can use the drug Vitabact.

Massage must be carried out 5 times a day, for two weeks. If everything is done correctly, the film that stops the canal will break through in 3-4 months. Your pediatrician will show you how to do a massage correctly. He will give everything necessary recommendations by application medicines(eye drops).

Probing, rinsing

If the massage does not bring the desired result, the doctor will clear the tear duct using probing. Usually this operation is performed on babies 2-3 months old. The procedure is relatively simple, it is carried out in the eye clinic of the clinic, under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor

Using the inserted Sichel probe, the lacrimal canal is expanded. Then, with the help of another, longer Bowman probe, the doctor makes a breakthrough - pierces the interfering film. The entire manipulation takes no more than 5-10 minutes.

After successful probing, mandatory rinsing channel using disinfectant solutions. To prevent infection, you will need to use antibiotic eye drops after the procedure. Necessary drug Your doctor will prescribe it for you.

In addition, for approximately 1-2 weeks after probing, you need to continue the course of massage in order to prevent relapse, as well as to prevent the development of adhesive process.

It should be borne in mind that the surgical process becomes more complicated with age. Therefore, if a baby has a blocked tear duct, treatment should be carried out as early as possible.

Probing the tear duct in adults

Unfortunately, massage or probing of the lacrimal canal will not help a teenager or an adult. Canal obstruction can be removed using copious rinsing disinfectant solutions. If rinsing does not help, the lacrimal canal still secretes purulent contents, endoscopy is performed.

Most often, adults require surgical treatment. Before this, the patient is prescribed a course antibacterial therapy. This is necessary to exclude possible complications after the operation.

After surgical excision of the interfering film, in postoperative period, the patient must continue to use medicines. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe a special spray to relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa. You also need to use eye drops. These drugs are necessary to prevent the development infectious process, as well as to reduce postoperative inflammation. Be healthy!