What are the complications of DCR surgery?
What are the complications or risks of a DCR? The main complications after surgery are bleeding and infection. It is also possible to displace the tube, which is inserted to keep the duct open and you may experience some bruising around the area of the operation. A nosebleed may occur on the affected side.
How long do tear duct stents stay in?
The tubes stay in place for 3–6 months, then are removed either in the office or during another short procedure.
Do tear ducts drain into your throat?
From the lacrimal sac, tears drain via the inferior turbinate and ultimately down the throat. It’s not uncommon for patients to associate some eye drop medications with a noticeable taste as the diluted drops travel this route. The funnels of nasolacrimal drainage are the puncta.
How long does it take to recover from a DCR?
How long is the recovery from DCR surgery? It is normal to have watery eyes until the swelling and inflammation settles, which may take around two weeks. Swelling and bruising can involve eyes, nose and cheek and may take two to three weeks to resolve.
What should I do after DCR surgery?
For the first two weeks:
- Avoid hot or spicy foods or beverages.
- Do not blow your nose, to avoid causing new bleeding.
- Gentle exercise (walking) is fine, but you should avoid strenuous exercise (running, ball sports and fitness workouts),
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid gardening.
- Avoid swimming or immersing the eye.
How successful is DCR surgery?
In conclusion, the success rate of external DCR was 98.8% anatomically and 81.9% functionally in a large case series with primary lacrimal drainage obstruction.
How can I unclog my tear glands?
Place a clean index finger between the inner corner of the eye and the side of the nose. Gently slide the index finger downwards while massaging the side of the nose. You can repeat it around 10 times in the morning and 10 times at night. You may also use warm compresses to relieve itching and irritation.
Does warm compress Help blocked tear duct?
A warm compress can help decrease pain. It can also make it easier to unblock the tear duct. Use a small towel or gauze dipped in warm water. Leave the compress in place for 5 minutes.
What happens if a blocked tear duct goes untreated?
You should see your doctor if you tear constantly for several days or if your eye is repeatedly or continually infected. Left untreated, this can develop into a more severe infection called cellulitis which sometimes requires hospitalization for treatment.
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.
What does blocked tear duct feel like?
Signs and symptoms of a blocked tear duct include: Excessive tearing. Redness of the white part of the eye. Recurrent eye infection or inflammation (pink eye)