To help with the outflow of tears form your eyes a punctoplasty is carried out.
The procedure is done under a local anaesthetic and can usually be done in the treatment or minor operating room. Sometimes a microscope is needed and the operation may then need to be done in the main operating theatre. You do not need to stay overnight and it can be done as a day case. The procedure takes about 20 minutes to do.
Post operatively you will be given an eyedrop, which is a combination of a steroid and an antibiotic to be instilled four times a day for 2 weeks.
Sometimes it is not possible to syringe the tear duct before the procedure, as the opening is blocked hence it is possible that
- It may not be possible to perform the punctoplasty as there is no opening to be found
- The canaliculus is blocked along with the punctum
- Even though the punctoplasty is successful, there may be a blockage further down the tear drainage passage and hence the watering may persist.
Infection, bleeding and scarring remain a risk with any operation.
It’s natural to feel anxious when it comes to treatment and surgical procedures especially in relation to your eyes. I encourage you to ask questions about your condition, so I can help you to be better informed of your condition, the treatment options available and allay any fears that you may have. During the consultation I will explain the procedures to you and help you to make positive choices, and remember there is always the option of doing nothing, so you have nothing to worry about.
