How Does Oculoplastic Surgery Address Tear Duct Issues?
Oculoplastic Surgery is often utilized to treat various Tear Duct issues, particularly Nasolacrimal duct obstructions, which result in excessive tearing or chronic eye infections. The tear ducts, also known as the lacrimal system, are responsible for draining tears from the eyes into the nasal cavity. When these ducts become blocked, tears can accumulate, leading to watery eyes, frequent eye infections, and discomfort. Oculoplastic surgeons use techniques like dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) to bypass the obstruction by creating a new drainage pathway for the tears, often by connecting the tear sac to the nasal cavity. This procedure can alleviate symptoms and restore normal tear drainage, significantly improving the patient's quality of life.
In addition to obstructions, Oculoplastic Surgery can address tear duct injuries resulting from trauma. If the tear ducts are damaged due to an accident or surgical complication, reconstructive surgery may be needed to repair the ducts and restore proper tear drainage. Surgeons also perform surgery to correct congenital tear duct abnormalities, such as those found in infants, which can cause chronic tearing if left untreated. In these cases, the procedure typically involves clearing or creating a new passage to ensure tears drain properly. By resolving these issues, oculoplastic surgery not only improves the cosmetic appearance of the eyes but also restores comfort and functionality.
