Washing of the lacrimal canals. How to clear tear ducts at home

If a person is blocked tear ducts , then the normal outflow of tear fluid is disturbed, the eyes are constantly watery, an infection develops.

About 20% of newborns have this disease, but the tear ducts are usually cleared by the end of the first year of life.

In adults, blocked tear ducts can result from infection, inflammation, injury, or a 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 thin holes in the corners of the eyelids. The "waste" tear fluid through special channels enters the nasal cavity, 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 water and the risk of infection and inflammation increases.

Causes of a blocked tear duct include:

Congenital obstruction. In some children, the drainage system may be underdeveloped. Often the lacrimal canal is clogged with a thin mucous 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 in Down's syndrome, increases the risk of obstruction of the lacrimal ducts.

Age changes. Older people may experience age-related changes associated with the 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 trauma. In a facial injury, the bones near the tear ducts can be damaged, which disrupts the normal outflow.

Tumors of the nose, lacrimal sac, bones, with a significant increase, sometimes block the lacrimal canals.

Cysts and stones. Sometimes cysts and stones form within this complex drainage system, causing obstruction of the outflow.

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

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

Risk factors

Among known factors risk of obstruction of the lacrimal ducts:

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 the eyes are constantly irritated and inflamed (conjunctivitis), there is an increased risk.

Surgical operations in the past. Operations on the eye, eyelid, sinuses can cause scarring in the drainage system of the eye.

Glaucoma. Anti-glaucoma drugs sometimes contribute to the development of obstruction of the lacrimal ducts.

Cancer treatment in the past. If a person has been exposed to facial radiation or taken certain anticancer drugs, the risk increases.

Symptoms of obstruction of the lacrimal canal

Obstruction of the lacrimal canal can be observed either from one eye or from both sides.

Signs of this disease may be due to direct blockage of the channels or an infection that has developed as a result of blockage:

Too much tear fluid (moist 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 identify a blocked tear duct include:

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

Probing of the lacrimal canal. The doctor may use a special thin instrument to probe the canal to check if it is open. During the procedure, the channel expands, and if the problem was before the procedure, then it can simply be resolved.

Dacryocystography or dacryoscintigraphy. This study is designed to obtain an image of the outflow system of the eye. Before the examination, it is instilled into the eye contrast agent followed by x-rays, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The dye highlights the tear ducts in the pictures.

Treatment of obstruction of the lacrimal canal

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

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

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

Conservative treatment

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

Minimally invasive treatment

Minimum invasive methods used to treat congenital blockage of the lacrimal 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 to restore 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.

Surgery

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

Surgery is needed to reconstruct damaged or underdeveloped tear ducts. One of the operations - dacryocystorhinostomy - is to create a new passage between the nasal cavity and the lacrimal sac. Such operations are quite complex and are performed under general anesthesia.

After the operation, patients will need to take medication 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 postoperative inflammation.

Complications of the disease

Due to the fact that tears cannot flow where they are supposed to, the liquid stagnates, becoming fertile ground for fungi, bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms can cause permanent eye infections.

In infants, the main sign of an obstructed tear duct is suppuration (“sourness”) of one or both eyes. The doctor immediately prescribes drops with antibiotics, the condition improves, but after the treatment is stopped, the infection reappears.

Disease prevention

The exact causes of obstruction can be different, 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 properly.

Konstantin Mokanov

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

Most often, obstruction of the lacrimal canal or blood vessels occurs in women 35-60 years old, in men this disease manifests itself 5-6 times less often. Blockage of the lacrimal duct in women is associated with anatomical features structures of the organs of vision.

With this disease, only one eye is affected, with a clogged channel, the liquid cannot fully go out. If a plug is formed, the process of secretion outflow is disturbed, and active reproduction of pathogens begins. As a result of this process, a purulent secret begins to be produced.

Each 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 parts of the organs of vision.

Chronic dacryocystitis in adults is most often independent disease, and secondary, that is, it develops against the background of another, main pathology. In order to understand what constitutes dacryocystitis, it is necessary to have a clear idea of ​​the forms in which an ophthalmic disease can manifest itself.

At the first symptoms of the disease, you need to 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 the disease develops against the background of tuberculosis, syphilis, trachoma and some other vascular diseases.
• Qatar lacrimal ducts. This name is chronic catarrhal simple dacryocystitis.
• Phlegmon of the lacrimal sac. With this form of pathology, purulent discharge from the eye canals is observed, so you should definitely apply for medical assistance.
• Empyema - obstruction of the lacrimal canal and blood vessels accompanied by increased excretion purulent content.

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

Also distinguished is such a type of disease as dacryocystocele - congenital disease, which, unlike conjunctivitis, is cystic edema in the region of the lacrimal 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.

Blockage of the tear ducts can occur for the following reasons:

• Congenital stenosis of the lacrimal ducts of the fetus, anomaly of the vessels or lacrimal ducts.
• Injury maxillofacial region.
• Syphilis, rhinitis, other pathologies that carry serious danger nasolacrimal canal.
• 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 obtained at the moment prenatal 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 the ophthalmologist late, when the obstruction of the lacrimal canal becomes more severe. late stages. In this case, the main signs of dacryocystitis are more pronounced 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 soreness in the area of ​​​​the lacrimal canals.

Swelling of the lacrimal sac indicates the development of dacryocystitis.

You can pass a simple test: you need to lightly press on the swelling under the eye; the appearance of purulent fluid indicates the development of pathology. To make sure that your lacrimal canal is inflamed, a doctor will help, who, during palpation of the area under the eyes, notes thickening of the skin and an increase in its elasticity.

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

Many patients confuse different ophthalmic diseases wondering if conjunctivitis or dacryocystitis is affecting their eyes. How to distinguish inflammation of the lacrimal sac from conjunctivitis? It must be remembered that with dacryocystitis, redness of the eyelids, their swelling, soreness, and the appearance of purulent discharge when pressing on the canal area are noted.

Diagnosis of dacryocystitis

Dacryocystitis of the eye requires careful diagnosis. IN without fail a collarhead test is performed, which allows you to determine where the focus of inflammation is located, and at what level the patency of the lacrimal canal is kept, as well as to differentiate dacryocystitis from conjunctivitis.

With dacryocystitis, the following tests are mandatory taken to identify the form of the disease and select the optimal treatment:

• Eye biomicroscopy.
• Sounding.
• Radiography of the organs of vision.
• Seeding of secretion secretion.
• Nasolacrimal canal test.

Diagnosis is the key to a speedy recovery.

A comprehensive diagnosis will help you choose the most effective treatment.

Treatment options for a blocked tear duct

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

Dacryocystitis in adults can be treated at home, based on the recommendations given by the attending physician. the main objective 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 those patients who for 2-3 weeks purulent fluid continues to go out, surgery is needed.

With a disease such as dacryocystitis, treatment is carried out by the formation of a completely new tear duct, bougienage, probing, or washing with certain drugs.

At the active stage of the disease, it is forbidden to vaccinate. It is especially important to pay attention to the timing of vaccination in children. younger age and newborns. Any vaccine is an intervention in the body that can cause the most unexpected reaction. In inflammatory processes, in particular, with obstruction of the lacrimal canal, vaccination must be abandoned for some time.

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

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

To perform all the functions laid down by 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, which are designed to drain tear fluid. As a result of the violation of the outflow, involuntary tearfulness of the eyes appears, which creates a fertile ground for the development different kind eye infections.

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, they practice washing manipulation. lacrimal ducts which will be discussed in this article.

A bit of 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 is located just behind the eye under the frontal bones of the skull. A dozen lacrimal canals run from it to the eye and eyelid. When blinking, tears are released from the lacrimal gland, with which the eye is washed. Sterile tears keep the eye clean, moisturize it, and the enzymes they contain destroy bacteria, preventing the spread of infection.

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

In case of obstruction of the channels, 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 well-coordinated work lacrimal canal is a manifestation of a runny nose in case of crying or allergic reaction on the organs of vision.

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

1. Watery eyes, excessive tearing.
2. Persistent inflammation and infection.
3. Pain in the corners of the eyes and their swelling.
4. Secretion or accumulation of mucus.
5. Blurred vision.
6. 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 lavage of the lacrimal canal are listed below:

1. Obstruction of the channels in infants, caused by an abnormality in the structure of the nasal bone or underdevelopment of the drainage system of the eye. It is characterized by the appearance of a mucous film, which can lead to inflammation with purulent secretions. In this case, the film is removed, followed by washing with disinfectants and anti-inflammatory substances.
2. Blockage of the channels in newborns with a gelatinous plug that did not resolve 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.
3. 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 of the eye.
4. Obstruction of the lacrimal canal in the elderly, 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 inflammation (canaliculitis) is detected. In this case, the procedure is preceded by the cleansing of the tubules from mucopurulent secretions.

During the manipulation of washing the lacrimal 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, washings are used in the case of such a diagnosis as stenosis of the lacrimal canaliculus, as well as in mild degrees of stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct and corneal ulcer (for sanitation of the primary focus of infection).

Contraindications

Only an ophthalmologist can evaluate the function of drainage of the lacrimal canal with the subsequent choice of treatment methods.

In this case, the procedure for washing the lacrimal canal is not recommended in two cases:

1. When stretching the lacrimal sac with filling it with mucus, since such a procedure can give impetus to the spread of pus throughout the organs of vision.
2. With purulent acute inflammation- dropsy of the lacrimal sac - washing can cause its overstretching, and lead to rupture of the structure of the sac.

Carrying out the procedure

In cases of blockage of the nasolacrimal canal, ophthalmologists recommend trying a less invasive treatment 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 fluid 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 ducts, depending on the indications.

Elimination of obstruction of the lacrimal ducts is carried out under local anesthesia. In cases where there is no need for probing 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 outlet points. If the fluid gradually introduced into the cavity freely exits the nasal sinuses, the lacrimal canals are not clogged, and the flow of fluid back from the eyes indicates the presence of pathology. In such cases, the lacrimal-nasal tract is washed with a solution of furacilin or an isotonic sodium chloride solution.

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

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

Washing the tear ducts in infants

At the birth of a baby, the nasolacrimal canals in children are blocked by a gelatinous film, which, under the influence of tears, should dissolve in the first two weeks of a 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 makes it difficult for the outflow of tears.

In such cases, not earlier than after the child reaches two months, ophthalmologists practice a number of manipulations related to the removal of the film with further probing and washing the lacrimal canal. Having previously anesthetized the site of the procedure, a special conical instrument called the Sichel probe is inserted. This manipulation is necessary for the initial expansion of the channel, 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 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 be instilled with eye drops carefully selected by the doctor, taking into account the age of the patient, according to the scheme and dosage prescribed by the ophthalmologist.

To prevent recurrence of the disease and prevent the formation of adhesions, ophthalmologists recommend massaging the child's tear ducts for two weeks after removing the film. To do this, using index finger lightly press on inner corner eyes for one to two minutes.

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

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

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 effort) after each feeding. With proper massage, the amount of outgoing pus increases.

After the massage, it is necessary to rinse the eyeball with a solution of furacilin (1 tablet is dissolved in a glass of boiling water). Purulent particles should be removed by wiping the palpebral fissure with cotton swabs moistened with the solution, moving from the temple to the nose. The procedure ends with the 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. Similar treatment it is recommended to carry out within two weeks and only in case of its ineffectiveness to proceed to the second stage, namely the probing and washing described earlier.

Well therapeutic washes with dacryocystitis in newborns, in some cases it can be delayed for a week or two, while the procedures are carried out once every one or two days.

Irrigation of lacrimal ducts in adults

The pathology of the lacrimal canals in adults occurs at any age and is determined by diagnostic means. Unlike infants, it is not possible to solve the problem of canal patency in adults with one massage, as well as with probing. Having established the passive patency of the tear ducts, the ophthalmologist, in case of pathology, prescribes forced washing with disinfectants.

To achieve the best results, ophthalmologists practice a combination of flushing with lacrimal probing. Similar procedure It is considered the most effective for obstruction of the lacrimal ducts, since with a simultaneous increase in the lumen of the canal, it helps to relieve inflammation.

At the same time, it is less traumatic compared to hard probing.

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

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

Analysis of results

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

In the absence of channel pathology, fluid easily flows out through the nose. When introducing the solution, no special efforts are required, the liquid is introduced by light pressure on the piston. Stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct or fusion of the orifices of the canals is evidenced by the outflow of fluid from the opposite lacrimal punctum.

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

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

Complications during the procedure

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

the only negative consequence the results of a diagnostic test may be distorted in case of incorrect insertion of a cannula with liquid, in particular, if the cannula touches the walls of the canal.

Obstruction of the nasolacrimal canals in children during 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 mucous plug can appear due to the underdevelopment of the drainage system of the eye. These phenomena entail inflammatory processes with purulent secretions. To prevent their spread, it is necessary to remove the plug and rinse the channel with a disinfectant, anti-inflammatory composition.

Washing the lacrimal ducts in children and adults

1. Washing of the lacrimal canals in children is carried out 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 parents of the child quickly forget about their previous problems. Usually, inflammation of the lacrimal sac - dacryocystitis - does not return.
2. Adult patients also undergo lavage of the lacrimal-nasal canals. It occurs through the forced introduction of a disinfectant solution into the canal in the region of the lacrimal opening near the nose. The procedure has a 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 in terms of tissue injury as hard mechanical probing. Moreover, the violation of the outflow of tears is often associated with age-related changes in old age. For the introduction of the solution, a conical probe is used, which expands the entrance to the canal. The solution is administered using a syringe with a blunt needle or cannula.

Before the start of the process, superficial anesthesia of the eye is performed with drops. If the patency is normal, then the solution flows from the nostril into the tray. If it is broken, then 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 treatment decision is made.

When the 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 infection. Obstruction of the tear duct is diagnosed in about 20% of newborn babies.

However, most often, in the first few months of a child's life, the tear ducts are cleared, their normal patency is restored. The main thing is to carefully monitor hygiene, conduct 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 can also be diagnosed. This condition is most often caused by a penetrating infection. A blockage may occur due to inflammatory process, trauma, or tumors. Treatment always depends on the age of the patient as well as the specific cause of the blockage.

About how children and adults are treated, how they clean the lacrimal canal, probing, massage, washing, how is it carried out? Let's talk about this today:

Lacrimal canal massage in children

As we have said, most newborns with congenital obstruction lacrimal duct, the duct clears on its own in the first months of life. If purification does not occur, the doctor will prescribe a special massage:

Gently squeeze fluid out of the child's lacrimal sac. Make sure that purulent contents do not get into the nose or ears. Then drip a warm solution of furacilin into the eyes (1 tablet per half liter boiled water). Moisten a cotton swab or disc with the solution, rinse, eliminate the purulent discharge.

Now gently make a few vibrating or jerky pressures with your finger on the lacrimal sac area. Spend 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 the eyes by instilling 0.25% chloramphenicol eye drops. You can use the drug Vitabact.

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

probing, flushing

If the massage does not bring the desired result, the doctor will clean the lacrimal canal using probing. Usually this operation is done to babies 2-3 months of age. The procedure is relatively simple, carried out in the eye room of the polyclinic, 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 whole manipulation takes no more than 5-10 minutes.

After successful probing, obligatory washing channel with the use of disinfectant solutions. To prevent infection, after the procedure, you will need to use eye drops with antibiotics. Required drug your doctor will prescribe.

In addition, for about 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 adhesive process.

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

Probing of the lacrimal canal in adults

Unfortunately, for a teenager or an adult, massage, probing the lacrimal canal will not help. You can remove the obstruction of the channel with the help of abundant washing disinfectant solutions. If washing 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 antibiotic therapy. This is necessary to exclude possible complications after the operation.

After surgical excision of the interfering film, in postoperative period, the patient must still apply for some time medicines. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe a special spray to relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa. You also need to apply eye drops. These drugs are needed to prevent the development infectious process and also to reduce postoperative inflammation. Be healthy!