How to Treat a Blocked Tear Duct
Your tears aren’t there to make you look empathetic during a sad movie scene; they are critical for your vision health. Your tears are essential for healthy eyes because they form a thin film that protects the eye and prevents it from getting dry. Normally, your tears drain through the lacrimal drainage system. However, sometimes this system gets blocked which can lead to things like too much tearing, blurred vision, or even chronic red eye. During your first visit with Dr. David A. Schlessinger, he can perform a brief eye exam to determine just what the cause of the problem is and then help establish a treatment plan for you. Let’s take a closer look at two of the most common treatment options we have.
Flushing
The first thing that Dr. David A. Schlessinger typically likes to do in patients who have a blocked tear duct is to flush it with a saline solution. This will help him determine the degree of the obstruction and the site of the blockage. Some patients experience relief from their patients, but others only find temporary relief which means that Dr. Schlessinger may recommend surgery.
Surgery
Tear duct drainage surgery involves using a procedure called a DCR or dacryocystorhinostomy. The goal of this surgical procedure is to create a new channel to allow tears to drain into the nose again. A DCR is done at our ambulatory facility and is considered the same day procedure.
If you are suffering from excessive tearing, red eyes, or blurred vision, you may have a blocked tear duct. During your appointment with Dr. David A. Schlessinger, he will be able to diagnose you and help determine what treatment option is right for you.
Ready to take the next steps? Contact our Woodbury office today (516) 496-2122.
